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U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 

DIVISION OF BOTANY. 



NOTES ON USEFUL PUNTS OF MEXICO. 



BY 



J. N. KOSE. 



Repriutcti from Contributions from the U. S. National Herbarium, 
Vol. V, No. 4, issued October 31, 1899. 





Qass iSlSl: 

Book. J46 



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U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 

DIVISION OF BOTANY. 



NOTES ON mm PLANTS OF MEXICO 



BY 



J. N. ROSE 



Reprinted from rontvibiitions frnm the U. S. National Herbarium, 
\ ol. V, No. 4, issued October 31, 1899. 



64v67 



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CONTENTS. 



Page 

IntrndTiotory statemont 209 

Cereals and vegetables 210 

Fruits 214 

Beverage plants 223 

Seasoning and flavoring plants 226 

Medicinal plants 227 

Soap plants 231 

Tanning and dye plants 237 

Fiber plants 239 

Brush and broom plants 252 

Fence and hedge plants 253 

Plants yielding wood 255 

Miscellaneous useful plants 256 

ill 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Page. 

PI. XXVIII. Fruits and tortilla 212 

XXIX. Oiruelas — fruit of Spondias spp 219 

XXX. Garambullo ( Cereus geometrizans Mart. ) 220 

XXXI-XXXIII. Pulque plants or maguey {Agave atrovirens Karw.) 224 

XXXIV. Rootstocks of an agave (Manfreda) used for soap 234 

XXXV. Guerrero Indians bringing palm leaves from the Pacific. 240 

XXXVI. Hat braids made from sotol and soyate 241 

XXXVII. Articles made from sotol and soyate leaves 241 

XXXVIII. Isote {Yucca treeuleanaC&rr. (?) ) asseen near the Piramide 

del Sol, northeast of the City of Mexico 241 

XXXIX. Oogollos of plants furnishing Tampico hemp 243 

XI^XLI. Small bunches of Tampico fiber 243 

XLII-XLIII. Strings made by hand from Tampico fiber 243 

XLIV-XLV. Mexicans making bagging out of ixtle fiber 243 

XLVI. Process of twisting ixtle fiber into twine 243 

XL VII. Lechuguilla plant with burro 248 

XLVIII-XLIX. Instruments used in extracting ixtle fiber 248 

L. Articles made from ixtle fiber 250 

LI. A fiber twister 250 

LII. Agave fiber and manufacturing implements 250 

LIII. Cotton fiber and implements 251 

LIV. Brushes of palm leaf and grass 252 

LV. Hairbrushes made from Tampico fiber 252 

LVI. Brushes made from several kinds of fil)er 252 

LVII. Hairbrush made from a fruit of Cereus pecten-aborlginum 

Engelm 253 

LVIII. Cereus pecten-ahoriginum Engelm 254 

LIX-LX. Organo {Cereus margmutus DC. (?) ) used for fences near 

the City of Mexico 255 

LXI. Wooden articles 256 

LXII. Sacred cactus {Mammilhma senilis Lodd. ) 258 

LXIII. Vessels made from Crescentia fruits 259 

LXIV. Gourd used for a water vessel 259 

Fig. 31 . Huamuchil, Pithecolobium dulce Benth 216 

32. Cereus pecteii-aboriginum Engelm 254 

IV 



NOTES ON USEFUL PLANTS OF MEXICO. 



By J. N. Rose. 



INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT. 

Ill presenting these notes upon the plants wliich are employed in one 
way or another by the Mexicans I wish them to be understood as chietly 
a record of my own observations. A more formal and complete treatise 
is already in preparation by the Mexican Government, by whom it nat- 
urally should be done, but it is hoped that this paper may be of assist- 
ance in supplementing that work. My observations, in many cases 
meager and incomplete, were made while traveling in Mexico in 1807. 
I have drawn little upon published statements, contenting myself with 
facts personally observed or with well-authenticated reports obtained 
from the Mexicans themselves. Many of my observations may, doubt- 
less, have been previously made, but I was especially fortunate in 
obtaining and determining botanically a number of plants which here- 
tofore have been incorrectly named, or have been known only by their 
local names. An attempt was made in the case of each species to 
obtain both good botanical specimens and examples of the parts or 
products of the plant useful to man. That tlie results are not entirely 
satisfactory is partly owing to the shortness of my stay in any one 
place, which was usually but for a day or two, often only for the night. 

To obtain the fullest information from the natives, and especially 
from the Indians of the Sierra Madre, one ought to spend considerable 
time among them. Naturally sus])icious and shy, it is not surprising 
that one can not readily obtain information from them. But if one 
could live with them for a short time, treat them kindly, and gain their 
confidence, he could, with a free use of copjiers and small silver change, 
soon have the contents of their homes and their knowledge at his dis- 
posal. One otlier hindrance to my work was a lack of e(]uii)raent for a 
long inland journey. In one case I traveled nearly 000 miles on horse- 
back, and of course could not carry many fleshy fruits, berries, or 
other bulky things. 

Among some of the interesting enterprises suggested by my obser- 
vations which might be taken up by our Government the following 
may be mentioned: 

(1) The introduction of the best Mexican tunas into the subarid 
parts of our Southwestern States and the encouragement of the imi)or- 

209 



210 

tation of tuna fruits from Mexico into our Eastern cities, as tliey are 
now being imported from Sicily. 

(2) An investigation of the Tampico hemp industry, with a view of 
making use of the agave plants of western Texas or of growing better 
varieties on the waste lands in some of our Southwestern States; also 
some supervision of the importations to prevent adulterations with 
cheaper and worthless fibers. 

(3) The introduction and testing of certain vegetables, such as beans 
and red peppers, and certain fruits, like the Mexican plums (ciruelas). 

(4) The gathering of a collection of all the various products used by 
the Mexicans and Indians which are made from the agave. Such a 
collection would include many hundred specimens, for there is no plant 
in Mexico which has so many and varied uses. 

(5) A botanical study of the genus Agave in the field and the prep- 
aration of numerous photographs and specimens. 

(0) The institution of a lull collection of living agaves. These should 
be placed in the Botanic Garden at Washington. 

(7) A study of the pulque aiid mescal plants with the view of deter- 
mining definitely the species used in the j^roduction of those beverages. 

These various jdants being of great economic value to the Mexican 
peoi)le, assistance would doubtless be given by the Mexican Govern- 
ment toward any investigations along this line. Indeed, assistance has 
already been offered by the Instituto Medico Nacional. 

CEREALS AND VEGETABLES. 

The food plants of the country are very many. Those, however, 
which may be said to be almost universally used are Indian corn, red 
peppers (Capsicum spp.), "tomatoes" (Physalis spp.), and beans. 
Zea mays L. 

In the towns wheat bread and cakes can easily be had, but in the 
country, both in the mountains and in the table-land region, one finds 
only corn bread or, more properly, corn cakes. The corn cakes are 
called "tortillas" (PI. XXVIII, fig. 2), and are made out of corn meal. 
The corn is first soaked in lime water to soften it and is then mashed 
or ground by hand between stones into a kind of dough. This dough, 
without any other ingredients, not even a pinch of salt, is then molded 
or rather patted between the hands into thin cakes, which aie baked on 
clay griddles. The "tortillas" are torn in pieces and eaten alone or 
used in scooping up beans or soup, thus taking the place of spoons and 
forks. The work of grinding the corn and making the cakes is all done 
by women. More than once I have come to a Mexican's hut after a 
long day's ride, tired and hungry, and found that I had to wait until 
the woman of the house had made her little fire on the ground, mashed 
her corn on her " metate," patted it into little cakes, and baked them. 
For the first meal these tortillas are served hot, being brought directly 



211 

from the griddle and passed about in a gourd or clay dish, covered 
with a rag or cloth. 

A great number of tortillas aie usually baked at one time and are 
served, until they are gone, cold or else warmed simply by throwing 
them on a bed of live coals. Sometimes cold beans or cheese are folded 
up in one of them, and it is then called "gordo," meaning "fat one." 
Capsicum spp. Chile. 

Many kinds of red peppers are used both in seasoning food and in 
making chili sauce. This sauce is made by crushing red peppers 
(usually the long red ones) with rii)e tomatoes on the metate, or some- 
times the crushing is done in a clay dish with a pestle. It is used with 
nearly all kinds of food, especially with beans and meats. Although 1 
brought back only 8 varieties there must be many more kinds grown in 
Mexico, and it certainly would be a very interesting undertaking to 
collect and classify the varieties Ui^ed. The 1 )epartment of Agriculture 
could very properly and profitably take this subject uj) in connection 
with the plant-introduction work. I have named my specimens, with 
the assistance of Mr. Irish, according to his excellent monograph 
recently published in the Report of the Missouri Botanical Garden, but 
only with partial success, as some of my plants seem not to belong to 
varieties now in the trade. These varieties, with their Mexican names, 
may be described briefly as follows : 

"Chile mirasol" is an oblong red pepper 2.5 to 3.75 cm. (I to IJ 
inches) long. 1 purchased it in the market at Guadalajara. It is said 
to be the fruit of Citpsicum fnitescens, but seems very different from 
the next. 

"Pequin,'' the fruit of Capsicum frutescens, was found in the markets 
in the City of Mexico. It is very small, 10 to 12 mm. (.") toO lines) long, 
oblong to ovate, and red. 

"Chile pe(juin," the fruit of Capsicum annuum ccrasi/ornie, was pur- 
chased in the market at Guadalajara. The fruit is red, nearly sjiheri- 
cal, and only slightly larger than the last. 

"Chile," the fruit of Capsicum annuum longum, is perhaps the com- 
monest form to be seen in the western table-land region. The fruit is 
found in all the niarkets. It is red, or blackish in some forms, oblong to 
oblong-linear, and 10 to 15 cm. (4 to inches) long. My specimens were 
purchased in the markets of Guadalajara and Monte Escobedo, in west- 
ern Zacatecas. 

" Chile cara " is the name for a smaller fruit form, which Mr. Irish also 
calls Capsicum annuum 1onf/um. 

"Chile" is the name given me for the fruit of Capsicum annunm acu- 
minatum Fingerh. This i)epper is red, slender, somewhat acuminate, 
and about 5 cm. (2 inches) long. 

"Chile aucho" is the fruit of Capsicum annuum (jrossum. The fruit 
is black, 10 cm. (4 inches) long, and 8.75 cm. (3^ inches) broad. I saw 
it only in the markets at Guadalajara. 



212 

Physalis spp. Tomato. 

Various species of Physalis are always to be seen in the markets. 
The fruits are called "tomatoes," aud are used to make a dressing for 
meats, etc., or are combined with red peppers to make chili sauce. (PI. 
XXVIII, figs. 3, 4.) 

Explanation of Plate XXVIII.— Fig. 1, tamarinds; fig. 2, tortilla or corn cake; figs. 3,4, "toma- 
toes" — fruits of /'jisalts Slip. 

Phaseolus spp. Frijol. 

The beau is, uext to corn, the most important food plant of Mexico. 
In fact it is used all over the country. No meal is complete without a 
dish of beans, while many a meal consists of nothing else. It is culti- 
vated everywhere, from the low tropical plains to the high mountain 
tops. Many varieties are found in the markets, some of which undoubt- 
edly have been introdmted into cultivation from native plants, while 
others have certainly come from foreign countries, but have long been 
grown in Mexico, 

Xearly 50 native species of Phaseolus have been reported from Mex- 
ico and Central America, and I have no doubt but many yet remain 
undescribed. I collected myself some 10 wild species, about half of 
which I have not definitely identified. As is well known, some of our 
most common varieties of beans came originally from several of the 
wild species of Mexico. 

I am <][uite sure that new and valuable varieties suitable for cultiva- 
tion in the ITnited States might, be obtained from the markets of cer- 
tain cities of Mexico. It seems to me that some money might very 
profitably be spent by the Department of Agriculture in connection 
with its seed introduction in obtaining and distributing some of the 
best varieties of Mexican beans. 

In compliance with my instructions, I obtained about 20 varieties, 
but only in small quantities, as my equipment and the fund at my dis- 
posal did not warrant a greater outlay. 

I have compared my beans with the large series in the seed collection 
of the Department of Agriculture, but I do not find over three vari- 
eties represented. In the accompanying list I have briefly described 
them as to color and have in most cases given the Mexican name of 
each.' 

No. 49. Fhi.jul apa.steado. 

Tliis is a small purplish bean, soiiiewhat mottled with buff", much used at Bolarios. 

No. 50. Frijol. 

A small roundish pinkish bean also used at Bolauos. 

No. 83. FlU.IOL HORTELANO. 

A small huS bean sold at Colotlan. 
No. 104. Frijol blanco {Phaseolus Innalus L.?). 

A dwarf white bean cultivated at Acaponeta. Apparently the same form as 
cultivated in this country. 

' The numbers refer to the Ethnobotanic collections of the author 



Contr, Nat. He.b., Vol. V. 



Plate XXVIII. 




213 

No. 85. Fri.iol encrevado. 

A small drab-colored bean. Seed uot ver^^ puie, but mixed with black, whitish, 
and purple beans. 

No. 86. FRIJOL BLANCO NALLADO. 

A small, light drab-colored bean. Seed not very ])ure. 
No. 87. Semilla de Gicauha. 

A small 4-sided somewhat flattened seed of dark or light-brown color. Probably 
uot a Phaseolus. 
No, 89. Fri.jol garvanodk i-icachos. 

A small light tan bean. 
No. 90. J"'ri,jol mievo tempkanillo. 

A small, shortly oblong bean of somewhat greenish cast. 
No. 91. Fri.tol Mexicano. 

An oblong light-brown bean. 
No. 92. Garvancillo verhe. 

A somewhat globular greenish-colored seed. 
No. 93. Fri.jol cando. 

A small browuish-pink beau. 
No. 94. Frijol GUEHO. (Large white pole.) 

A small oblong white bean. 
No. 95. Garvanzo de picachos. 

A small oblong drab bean. 
No. 96. Frltol sequin. 

An oblong dark-red bean. 
No. 97. Frijol morado hola. 

A small purplish-red bean. 
No. 98. Frljol mesquitillo. 

A small yellowish bean. 
No. 99. Fri.jol negro. (Wax bean?) 

An oblong black bean. 
No. 100. Fri.jol lavareno. 

A very pale yellow or cream-colored beau. 

Nos. 86 to 100 were obtained at Guadalajara. 
No. 101. Frijol. 

An oblong drab colored bean. 
No. 102. Frijol. 

An oblong light-brown beau. 

Nos. 101 and 102 were obtained in the market of the City of Mexico. 
No, 103. Patol. 

A large oblong black, reddish, or white bean. Obtained at Colotlau. 
No. 125. Faba vulgaris. 

This bean was i-epeatedly seen in the markets and occasionally growing in fields. 
I was told that it was c:illed " hava," which may be a corruption of " (aba.'' 
No. 126 to 128. CiCER arietinum 

Found in the markets. My seeds are from Mazatlan (No. 127) an<l Guadalajara 
(No. 128). 

The loug roots of a plant called ''cudrado" are prepared for eating 
by being- peeled and boiled like potatoes. The fruit, which is about 2 
to 2.5 dm. long, is said to be pale green when ripe. It is eaten both raw 
and roasted. I have not yet been able to identify the plant. 



214 



FRUITS. 

Mexico has many peculiar and interesting fruits. With its extremely 
varied climate, almost any kind of fruit can be grown. Only those are 
here described which came under my observation while making a hasty 
journey through the country. 

Many fruits common in our own markets are also abundant there, 
such as apples, peaches, pears, bananas, etc. Apples and peaclies are 
seen in all the markets, but I saw only a few orchards. These were in 
Indian villages on the top of the Sierra Madre at an altitude of 6,800 
feet. From here the fruit is carried down the mountain side on backs 
of donkeys and taken 100 to 200 miles to market. A rude crate is 
commonly used. This has four nearly equal sides made of small sticks, 
which are tied together at the corners with agave fiber. The top and 
bottom are usually made of a layer of leafy twigs (often willow) drawn 
through the lowest and uppermost openings. 

Bananas are very common. Quite a number of varieties were seen. 
More kinds are met with there than will be seen in our own markets. 
Bananas grow not only along the coast, but in the hot barrancas of the 
interior. 

Oranges and lemons are found everywhere. At Guaymas there are 
some large orange orchards, which of course are irrigated. I was 
astonished at the abundance of limes which are grown throughout the 
tropical regions. This fruit deserves a greater popularity in the United 
States than it now has. 

I saw pineapples for sale at Guaymas which had been shipped 
thither from Mauzanillo. It is said to be a very profitable crop to 
grow. 

Blackberries are used, but how extensively I did not learn. The 
wild species seen on the top of Sierra Madre ripens its fruit in August. 
Apricots are cultivated in Sonora and weie for sale at several of the 
railroad stations. Figs are grown in the gardens at Guaymas. 

Cocoanut and date palms are common in many gardens, and the nut 
of a wild species is brought into the towns in great quantities. 

The melon zapote or papaya [Carica papaya L.) is a great favorite 
and is grown in plazas and yards. I found the mango in all the mar- 
kets. The fruit, which is about 7 to 7.5 cm. (3 inches) long, is always 
eaten raw. Trees were seen growing up to an altitude of 750 meters 
(2,500 feet). 

PALMACEAE. 
Acrocomia sclerocarpa Mart. COCOJUL. 

In the markets at Mazatlan, Rosario, and Acaponeta great quanti- 
ties of a small palm nut are sold. This nut is about the size of a 
small black walnut. 1 was told that the outer pulp is first eaten and 
afterwards the seeds. The nuts are often brought from a long distance. 
The trees grow only in the foothills and lower mountains. 



215 

BROMELIACEAB. 

Bromelia spp. Cocurstle or cocurste. 

At least two species of Bromelia are very common on the west coast, 
and their fruit is often for sale in the markets. In one it is oblong in 
shape, 6.5 cm. (L'i inches) long, and of a deep purple color. The other 
is smaller, ovate, and yellow in color. Both are slightly acid to the 
taste; a drink similar to lemonade is made from the ripe fruit. It is 
generally eaten raw, but sometinies cooked. It is said in the latter case 
to resemble apricots. 

ANONACEAE. 
Anona cherimolia Mill. Chiiomoya. 

Chirimoya is a very abundant fruit in the markets of Mexico. The 
annual crop is valued at over $45,000. 

The fruit of several species of Anona must go under this name. I 
found on the streets of Guadalajara two varieties of this fruit, one of 
Avhich is perhaps A. lonf/iflora. The chirimoya is G.25 to 7.5 cm. (2i 
to 3 inches) long, ovate in outline, with a brownish skin, either smooth 
or tuberculate. 
Anona glabra L. Anona. 

A number of fruits go under the name of anona. I collected speci- 
mens of three species of the genus, all of which are called by the one 
common name. The chirimoya also belongs to this genus. I was told 
that the rough- fruited sijecies of Anona were called chirimoya, while 
the smooth-fruited ones are called anona. 

The anona most largely cultivated is said to be .1. glabra, of which I 
collected specimens on the west coast. The annual croi^ is valued at 
over $19,000. 

LAURACEAE. 

Persea gratissima Gaertn. Aguacate. 

The aguacate or alligator pear is a common fruit in the markets of 
Mexico. It is commonly used as a table fruit eaten raw with pej)per 
and salt, as a salad, in soups, or spread on bread. The fruit is some- 
what obovato in outline, 7.5 to 8.75 cm. (3 to 3^ inches) long, containing 
in the center a huge loose seed. Two varieties were seen, one having 
a green skin with lighter spots, the other nearly black or a dark purple. 
The pulp is rather firm, in appearance suggesting butter, and hence the 
popular name " vegetable butter." 

The trees are widely cultivated in the tropical and subtropical parts of 
the country. The annual crop is valued at about $14,000. As is well 
known, it is not restricted to Mexico but now cultivated in most tropical 
countries, and some trees are grown in south Florida and California. 

The fruit is sometimes sold in our markets, but has never received 
the attention it deserves. 

The following are the names applied to the fruit : Aguacate, ahuacate 
chico, ahuacate grande, avocado, avocado pear, alligator pear, midship- 
man's butter, vegetable butter, vegetable marrow. 



216 



ROSACEAE. 

Couepia polyandra (H. B. K. ) Eose. Zapote amarillo. 

This species is little known botanically. It seems to be common along 
the west coast of Mexico, where it is evidently native. It grows to the 
height of 3 to 7.5 meters (10 to 25 feet). The fruit is yellow and about 
7.5 cm. (3 inches) long. It is edible, but I was not able to learn whether 
or not it is extensively used. 

The name " zapote amarillo" is also given to Sapota eJongata. 
Crataegus spp. Tejocote. 

The fruits of two species of Crataegus were seen in the market at Gua- 
dalajara, sold under the name of "tejocote." The fruits are often strung 
on small strips of isote liber. About 20 of them are in each strand and 
the strands sell at a cent apiece. The fruits are made into various jams 
and jellies. 

LEGUMIN03AE. 

Pithecolobium dulce ]>euth. Huamuchil. 

The seeds of this tree (fig. 31) are considerably used by the people on 

the west coast of Mexico, where it has been largely planted. It is found 




Fig. 31. — Huamuchil, PUhecolnbinm dvlce Renth. 



all through tropical Mexico, where it is probably native, but on account 
of its rapid growth and delicious fruit it has also been much planted. 
It is very common in yards about towns and along streams. 
When the trees are irrigated they make rapid growth and are said 



217 

to stand the drought extremely well. Large trees were seen about 
Guaynias surrounded by almost desert conditions. 

The fruits ripen toward the close of the dry season. At Guaymas 
and Mazatlan they ripen the last of May. The boys and men gather 
the pods by the basketful and sell them in the streets as bananas are sold 
in our own cities. The pods and seeds are largely sold in the markets. 
The latter are often put up in little cone-shaped wrappers, which, 
with their contents, are sold for a cent apiece. An old tree will iiro- 
duce many bushels of fruit, which is valued at the rate of $li5 per tree. 
The pods are about 10 to 15 cm. long; when nuiture, somewhat reddish 
or flesh-colored and irregularly swollen. After the seeds have fallen 
the valves usually become strongly coiled. The part which is eaten is 
not the seed proper, but the large, fleshy aril, which almost completely 
surrounds and hides it, measuring 30 mm. (15 lines) long by 15 mm. (7 
lines) thick. The aril is usually white, sometimes reddish, very crisp, 
sweetish, and very palatable. It is always eaten raw. At first sight 
it appears to be composed of a single covering, but in reality it is prob- 
ably composed of many separate series of fleshy cells strongly com- 
pressed. The seed proper is small, black, flattened, 10 mm. long. 

Fithecohhium ligHStieifoIium also has a very large aril, but it is not 
at all edible. The aril is a bright scarlet, much less fleshy and more 
fibrous than in P. dulec. 

MALPIGHIACEAE. 

Byrsonima crassifolia H. B. K. Nanche. 

Nanche is a wild fruit which is brought into all the markets in great 
quantities. It grows on a small bush or shrub 1.8 to 3.G meters (0 to 12 
feet) high. The drupe is about the size of a small cherry, yellow in 
color, and of somewhat acid taste. It is generally eaten raw, but is 
sometimes put into soups as a flavoring, and sometimes added to the 
stuffing of tomales. 

At Colomas I saw nanche, rice, and olives cooked with stewed 
chicken. 

RUTACEAE. 

Casimiroa edulis La Llave. Zapote blanco. 

I did not see much of this fruit, but it is said to be very common in 
all the markets. A lew specimens were seen at Mazatlan. 

The fruit is about 5 cm. (2 inches) in diameter and contains 5 large 
seeds. The tree is said to be native, but I saw it only in cultivation. 

ANACARDIACEAE. 
Spondias spp. Ciruela. 

The ciruela or Mexican plum (fruit of the ciruelo) is one of the impor- 
tant fruits of Mexico. The annual crop is valued at over $70,000. In 
its season it is a universal favorite and is then the most common fruit 
seen in the markets. 
22114 6 



218 

The trees are grown all over tropical Mexico. I saw them in gardens 
at Guaymas, Mazatlan, Kosario, Acapoueta, and elsewhere, and the 
fruit in the markets of these towns, as also in those of Guadalajara 
and the City of Mexico. It is said that the fruit can be profitably 
raised in all the States of Mexico. 

The ciruela tree is 3 to 7.5 meters (10 to 25 feet) high and has a short 
trunk, usually 8 to 10 inches, but sometimes in old trees 37 to 45 cm. 
(15 to 18 inches) in diameter, with smooth grayish or even white bark, 
a very large spreading top, and pinnate leaves. The fruit matures at 
the very close of the dry season. The branches are then entirely bare 
of foliage, and have a i)eculiar aspect, lined as they are with yellow 
knobs. 

These plums are used in a great many ways. In their season they 
are seen everywhere; in the laiger towns they are hawked about the 
streets, and in the markets every stall or countryman has a tray or box 
of them for sale, and retails them for a cent. Both immature (green 
in color) and well-ripened fruit is sold. The mature fruit is plump, 
spherical or somewhat ovate in outline, with a rather tough yellow or 
red skin. The pulp has the consistency and somewhat the taste of the 
May apple of the North. The fruit is usually eaten raw and is very 
popular. It is also cooked and used in a number of ways. Sometimes 
it is served in hotels for dessert or made into "dulce." Dr. Palmer 
reports that it is made into sweetmeats and the juice is jmt into " attole." 
The ripened fruit does not keep well, but when S(;alded or boiled for a 
short time it may be dried and then kept for a long time. The dried 
fruit is thus found in the markets long after the fruiting season is over. 

A cooling drink is sometimes made out of the dried fruit, or it may 
be ground into "alote." 

While the ciruela is a popular fruit in the Tropics and is especially 
suited to a dry country, yet the very large stone or nut which it con- 
tains is much against it. Doubtless little eftbrt has been made to select 
the best varieties. The trees grow with so little care that the tendency 
seems to be to let them develop as they please. Orchards are planted 
by simply breaking oft" limbs and putting them into the ground, then 
allowing them to shift for themselves. If an experienced horticulturist 
should take hold of this fruit he would probably be able not only to 
reduce the size of the stone, but to increase the i)ulp, and thus add 
much to its value. 

It is usually considered that there are but two varieties of the cir- 
uela cultivated in Mexico. These are the yellow and the red, called, 
resj^ectively, ciruela amarilla and ciruela roja (PI. XXIX). In the part 
of the country visited I found four very distinct varieties, or rather 
species, in cultivation and one wild species, making five in all. 

Mr. Hemsley, in the Biologia Centrali- Americana, lists five species, 
all of them coming, however, from south Mexico and only one named 
S])ecifically, viz, Spondias lutea. The yellow and red forms mentioned 



Contr. Nat Heib., Vol. V. 



Plate XXIX. 




219 

above are referred to in Mexican works as S. iHiea and S. imrimrea., 
but they probably represent more than two species, if, indeed, these 
species are found in Mexico at all. In 1887 Dr. S. Watson described 
from Tequila, State of Jalisco, a yellow-fruited form under the name of 
8. mexicana, which appears to be the "ciruela amarilla," cultivated and 
sold on the west coast as far north as Guaymas. 

The red-fruited form, which I saw only on the west coavSt, does not 
answer the descrii)tion of S. 2nirpurea, nor are the specimens like those 
so named in the National Ilerbariu'n. 

The five forms obtained by me may be described brietly as follows: 

1. Yellow ciruela.— Yvwit spherical, 2.5 to 3.1 cm. (I to 1\ inches) in 
diameter, of light yellow color; surface of nut strongly roughened 
with a kind of filigree work. 

2. Red ciruela. — Fruit similar to the above, but perhaps smaller and 
red in color. Trees said to be taller and less spreading. 

3. Wild ciruela. — Fruit much smaller than the two ])receding, red in 
color, the leaves of very different shape and size; a small shrub or bush 
0.6 to 1.2 meters (L* to 4 feet) high. Found on low hills near Acaponeta. 

4. Ciruela (from State of Jalisco). — A tree simdar to the common 
yellow ciruela, but with very pubescent leaves; fruit yellow, about 2.5 
cm. (1 inch) in diameter; nut with smooth surface. Only seen once, in 
the State of Jalisco. The fruit is said not to be edible. 

5. Ciruela ^from City of Mexico). — This was the largest plum seen. 
Fruit oblong to obovate, 4.4 cm. (If inches) long, yellowish with a 
pronounced blush ; nuts large, not so much roughened as in the common 
yellow-trnited form. I did not see the trees or foliage. I was told at 
the National Museum of Mexico that this was true Spondias lutea. 

Explanation of Plate XXIX. — Fig. 1, yellow ciruela, dried;" fig. 2, tlie same, fresh; fig. 3, seed 
of same; figs 4 5, dried fruit and seed of a wild species; fig. 6, seeds of the cultivated red variety ; figs. 
7. 8, fruit and seeds of a large yellow variety ; figs. 9, 10, fruit and seeds of a wild variety. 

1 collected considerable material, but, as was usually the case, not as 
much as would be desirable. Besides the herbarium specimens the 
following material was obtained:' 

EB No. 108. One fruit in alcohol, of comuion yellow ciruela, fioin Ma/.atlan, .June 

18, 1897. 
EB No. 109. Nuts of same from Acaponeta, June, 1897. 
EB No. 110. Dry fruit of red ciruela from Acaponeta, .June. 1897. 
EB No. 111. Nuts of same. 

Herb. No. 3076. Two fruits in formalin of ciruela from State of Jalisco. 
Herb. No. 3076. Nuts of the same. 

EB No. 112. The dried fruit as sold at Guadalajara, probably of the yellow form. 
EB No. 113. Two fruit.s in formalin of the larger ciruela purchased on the streets 

in the city of Mexico. 
EB No. 115. Nuts of the same. 

' The symbol EB denotes the Ethnobotanic collections of the author. 



220 

The following names are used for these fruits: 

Ciriiela. — A generic name applied to all plumlike fruits, but especially to the 
species of Spondias. It is often used for the various kinds without a qualifying 
term. 

Ciruela amarilla. — -UiSually applied to the fruit of S. lutea, but also given to any of 
the yellow kinds. 

Cirnehi roja. — Supposed to belong to S.jjuiyurea, but probably used for any of the 
red fruits. 

Ciruela campechana. — Cuban name for the fruit oi S. purpurea. 

Ciruela colorada. — Another Cuban name for the same. 

Jabo. — The Cuban name for S. lutea. 

CACTACEAE. 

The Oactaceae furnish a great variety of fruits, many of which are 
highly prized in Mexico. These come from various species of Opuntia 
and Cereus and of some other genera. 

Opuntia sjip. Tuna. 

Quite a number of Opuutias furnish choice fruits, all known by the 
name of " tuna." The species which are said to furnish the tunas are 
generally given as 0. tuna and 0. ficus-indica, but it is not at all cer- 
tain that these are the ones which furnish the best tunas of Mexico. 
Both of these species are said to be introduced into the Old World, but 
the fruit sent to this country from Italy api)ears to be different from 
the common tunas of Mexico. The whole subject should be taken up 
by some botanist who has access to large collections, after having made 
extensive field collections of fruits, flowers, and stems, and having 
secured numerous photographs. In the markets at Mazatlan, on the 
west coast, I found a small, deep red colored tuna, perhaps 2.5 cm. 
(linch) long, to be very common. The large tunas were not met with 
until I reached the Sierra Madre. These were very common at Santa 
Teresa, Tepic, altitude 2,040 meters (6,800 feet), and at most of the towns 
at which I stopped in the table-land region of Zacatecas and Jalisco. 
One of the best and largest of these tunas is the "crystalina." This is 
one of the most delicious fruits I met with in Mexico, and ought to be 
introduced into the United States. Plants that grow in Mexico at an 
altitude of 1,500 to 2,100 meters (5,000 to 7,000 feet) could be easily 
grown in parts of Arizona and New Mexico. 

Cereus geometrizans Mart. Gauamiujllo. 

This is a common species on the table-lands of western Mexico. The 
fruit, which is a small, oblong berry about 1 cm. (f inch) long, is said to 
be very common in the markets during its season, which must be after 
the close of the rainy season. At the time of my visit, about the 1st 
of September, 1 found the fruit nearly ripe. (PI. XXX.) 

Cereus spp. Pitaya, pitahaya. 

The pitaya is said by some to be the fruit of C. variabilis and by 

others to be that of C. pitahaya. The name is also applied to the fruit 

of G. thnrberi, C. giganteus., etc., and ''jiitahaya" is probably better con- 



Contr, Nat. Herb., Vol V 



Plate XXX. 




221 

sidered as a generic term applied to the edible I'ruits of several species 
of Cereus, whence the terms "pitahaya dulce," "pitahaya acre," etc. 
I did not see any of these fruits, but the plant which was pointed out 
as the pitahaya of central INIexico was a very large species, 7.5 to 10.5 
meters (25 to 35 feet) high, somewhat resembling C. pecten-ahoriginum, 
but probably referable to C. tetazo. 

Tomales are made out of the dried fruit of one or more pitahayas. 
For drying, the inner part of the fruit is taken out and allowed to lie 
in the sun for several days. It is said to be very sweet and will keep 
for a year. 

MYRTACEAE. 

Myrtus arayan H. B. K. Arravan. 

I saw this tree only about Indian villages in the foothills of the Sierra 
Madre. The tree here grows to be G to 10.5 meters (20 to 35 feet) high, 
the trunk 4 meters (12 feet) high, and sometimes 30 cm. (15 inches) in 
diameter, with smooth, gray bark and erect branches. In no place did it 
appear to be native, but it seems to be cultivated somewhat extensively 
in Mexico. It is grown in sufticient quantities in some twelve States 
to be listed among their fruits, and the annual crop is valued at over 
$1,200. The ripe fruit is sold in the fresh state in all the larger mar- 
kets, and, according to Dr. Palmer, also in the dried state. I obtained 
some of the ripe fruit at Guadalajara. It was greenish yellow, 1.25 to 
1.87 cm. [h, to f inch) in diameter, smooth, with a large, irregular disk 
at the top and a smooth nutlet in the center; very juicy, and said to 
have a rich, spicy, subacid flavor. 

One of the popular "soft" drinks of the country, which is said to be 
very refreshing, is made from these fruits. 

The following specimens were obtained: 

EB No. 105. Fruit in formalin, obtained at Guadalajara, September, 1897. 
Herb. No. 2006. Specimens from a tree seen in the Indian village of San Blascito, 
Tepic, August 4, 1897. 

Psidium spp. Guayaba. 

Guavas, or "guayabas," as they are called in Mexico, are common 
along the coast and in the hot valleys of the interior. I saw four spe- 
cies, two of which are wild. Psidium </t(ava appears to be the one 
commonly cultivated. It is usually a small tree, 3 to 4.5 meters (10 to 
15 feet) high, often with a large toj). The fruit is used everywhere. 
It is often eaten raw, but generally made into preserves, jams, and 
jellies. 

COMBRETACEAE. 

Terminalia catappa L. Almendra. 

I saw this tree only in the town of Rosario and at La Paz, Lower 
California, where it was cultivated. Dr. Palmer states that the nuts 
are known as " alinendras" or Mexican almonds. He says the children 
eat the outer pulpy husk. The fruit, which is a drupe, is much flattened, 
elliptical, and about 2 inches long. The stone contains a small, sweet 



222 

and edible seed. Dr. Palmer states that the tree is also called "story 
tree,'- because the horizontal branches are given oft' in whorls or 
"stories." These trees seem to be frequent in the towns of western 
Mexico and furnish one of the few shade trees there, growing to the 
height of 10.5 to 12 meters (35 to 40 feet). It is now frequently met 
with in Guatemala and south Florida. The tree is native of tropical 
Asia. 

SAPOTACEAE. 
Achras sapota L. Zapote chico. 

This is a common tree in cultivation. Some large trees were seen at 
Acaponeta, i)erhaps 40 to 50 feet high. The fruit is nearly orbicular 
in outline, 2.5 to 3.75 cm. (1 to li inches) in diameter, with a rough, 
brownish skin. It is sold in the markets in June and July. The 
annual crop is valued at $38,000. 

This is said to be the tree which produces most of the "chicle," a 
gum extensively imported into the United States, and used in the 
manufacture of chewing gum, which is almost wholly composed of it. 
It is said that Vitellaria mammosa (L.) Radlk. as well as other species 
of the genus Vitellaria produce chicle, and that the best gum for 
"masticatory" purposes is that obtained from V. mammosa. 

According to Treasury reports for 1897, 5,315,902 jjounds of this gum, 
valued at $1,091,892, was imported into the United States in the year 
1896-97. The crop for 1897-98 is estimated at only 2,600,000 pounds. 
Under the Wilson bill the gum was admitted free of duty but now 
there is a duty of 10 cents per pound. 

The following tables will show the quantities of chicle gum received 
at New York in 1897 and 1898 from several ports : 

Comparison of monthly and annual receipts of chicle gum at New York, months of Jan- 
uary, 1897 and 1898, and years of 1897 and 1898. 



Tuxpan 

Vera Cmz . 
Campeche . 
Laguna — 
Progreao- . 

Belize 

Various 



Total 

Or pounds 



Jan., 1898. ' Jan., 1897. 



Bales. 

544 

11 



259 
998 
256 

79 



Bales. 
887 
309 
150 
797 
1,228 
490 
15 



Sept. 1,1897, 

to 
Sept. 1, 1898. 



Pounds. 
304, 000 
29, 000 
40, 000 
114, 000 
332, 000 
76, 000 
39, 000 



2,147 
335, 000 



3,876 
608, 000 



934, 000 



Comparison of stock on hand for two years. 



February 1, 1898 : 



Sept. 1,1896, 

to 
Sept. 1, 1897. 

Pounds. 

552, 000 
114,000 
117, 000 
183,000 
562, 000 
174, 000 
24, 000 



1, 696, 000 



Free 



Pounds. 
. 539,000 



In bond 397,000 

February 1, 1897 - 886,000 



223 

Compariso ii of j> rices. 

Lowest price ; Cents. 

January 5, 1898 27 J 

January 29, 1897 21 

Highest price: 

January 31, 1898 29 

January 4, 1897 23 

EBENACEAE. 
Diospyros ebeuaster Retz. Zapote prikto. 

The fruit is also called "zapote negro." . The annual crop is valued 
at $27,000. I did not see the fruit of this plant either used or sold, 
although it is said to be cultivated in many places. Fruiting sj)eci- 
mens of a species probably the above were obtained at Acaponeta at 
au altitude of about 30 meters (100 feet). It has heretofore been 
reported to grow at an altitude of 450 to 1,800 meters (1,500 to 6,000 
feet), and it is not at all unlikely that more than one species goes 
under this name. Two other specimens were collected — one at Altata 
(at sea level) and the other at Coloiiias, altitude 750 meters (2,500 feet), 
which seem to represent two very distinct sjiecies. 

VERBENACEAE. 
Vitex mollis H. B. K. Uvala:\ia. 

Uvalama, or better, perhaps, walama, is a small drupe which is very 
common in the umrkets of the west coast at the close of the dry sea- 
son. The fruit is black or bluish black, nearly spherical, and 15 to 20 
mm. in diameter. It is eaten raw. (EB Nos. 112 and 113.) 

CUCURBITACEAE. 
Cucurbita ficifolia Boucbe. Chilacayote. 

The pulp of this fruit is boiled with sugar and used as a dessert. I 
was told that the fruit is about 0. 15 meters (1^ feet) long, with a hard 
shell and a fibrous pulp. The seeds are black, resembling those of the 
watermelon, but larger. The fruit is cut in two and the pulp is taken 
out and cooked. The shell is filled with water and allowed to stand 
and sour. From this a vinegar is made which the people use in mak- 
ing a kind of soda water. 

BEVERAGE PLANTS. 

The drinks of Mexico derived from plants are of the intoxicating 
and the nonintoxicating classes. 
Agave spp. Maguey. 

The intoxicating drinks are several, but the most important by far 
are those made from the agave plants or magueys. Of these drinks 
there are two classes, the fermented and the distilled. The fermented 
drink is called pulque. It is largely used all over the country and 
especially about the City of Mexico. The pulque jjlant (Pis. XXXI to 
XXXIII) is cultivated throughout the mountain regions and on the 
table-lands. Almost every house has a few plants growing near it 
which supply pulque for the family. 



224 

The pulque magueys are several iii number. They all Lave large, 
broad, thick leaves and belong to tlie Euagave section of the genus. 
A large cavity or bowl is hollowed out of the center of the plant by 
taking out the bud or core, and into this sap from the cut leaves oozes. 
The accumulation is gathered twice a day, as sugar water is in our 
maple orchards. This sap when fermented forms the pulque. Each 
day the surface of the bowl is scraped to increase tbe flow and this is 
kept up for several weeks. It is customary to bend over and fasten 
together the leaves of the agave plantat the top to retard evaporation. 

The distilled drink called mescal, or now perhaps more commonly 
tequila, is made from what are called the mescal magueys These have 
much thinner leaves than the pulque magueys and, in the case of the 
species so largely used in the manufacture of tequila, the leaf is very 
narrow. The Indians and Mexicans of the mountainous regions use a 
number of the wild species for making their mescal. The tequila 
maguey, however, is cultivated in great plantations. I have not been 
able to learn what the species is which goes under this name. At 
Bolaiios there is cultivated under the name of the "huila" what is per- 
haps the same species. 

One of the most interesting studies connected with the botany of 
Mexico would be the determining of the species of Agave which are 
used by the people in making their drinks— a subject upon which there 
is much ignorance. 

Carl Lumholtz, the well-known Mexican traveler, states that "the 
Mexicans derive their famous tequila or mescal from the maguey 
{Agave amerimna). One of the inferior kinds of brandy, sotol, is pro- 
duced from a plant of the same family." While it is uncertain from 
what species terpiila is made, it is at any rate not A. americana, and 
sotol, as we shall see, is derived from plants of another genus. 

Dasylirion spp. Sotol. 

Sotol, a common distilled drink of the table-land region, is made 
from the species of Dasylirion, the crown of the plant being utilized. 
The drink is similar to mescal and is often mixed with it. (EB Wo. 43, 
a bottle of sotol liquor.) 

Aguardiente, made from cane sugar, is also one of the chief distilled 
drinks of the country. 

The nonintoxicating drinks of the country are very many. They are 
usually made of some acid fruit, such as limes, tamarinds, etc., or of 
mucilaginous seeds, such as those of certain mustards and mints. I 
shall not attempt to enumerate all of them, but wish to refer briefly to 
the few which came under my observation. 

Some of these drinks are peddled about the streets carried in "olla" 
on the top of men's heads, and some are for sale in the markets or at 
the hotel bars, etc. Women have regular stands for selling them in 
the arcades about the public squares of most large towns and in mar- 
ket buildings. 



Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol, V 



Plate XXXI 




Contr. Nat. Heib , Vol. V 



Plate XXXII. 




Contr Nat. Herb , Vol V 



Plate XXXIII. 




Pulque Plant or Maguey (Agave atrovirens Kar 



225 

Hibiscus sabdarififa L. Jamaica. 

One of the most popular of the summer drinks of Mexico is made 
from "Jamaica." Jamaica is made from the involucres, calyces, and 
capsules of Hibiscus sabdarlffa which have been cjathered and dried. 
The Jamaica gives to the water a reddish color and a slightly acid taste. 
In the markets at Guadalajara it is seen j^acked in large shallow 
baskets where it is retailed. 
Sisymbrium canescens Niitt. Pamita. 

From pamita the seeds of Sisymhrinm canescens, a most refreshing 
drink, is prepared in the following manner: About a gill of the seed is 
put into a glass and thoroughly mixed with water; a little lime juice is 
then added and the mixture again stirred, then a little sirup, then a little 
blackberry brandy or (daret, the stirring process being repeated as each 
new ingredient is added, until finally the glass is filled with water, when 
it is ready for drinking. A straw is generally used in drinking this mix- 
ture. Sisymbrium canescens is very common in Sonora. The seed is 
collected in great quantities about Altar and is sold at Guaymas. 
These seeds, when wet, give oif a great quantity of some mucilaginous 
substance. 
Salvia spp. Chia. 

The well-known drink made from chia, the seeds of species of Salvia 
and related genera, is sold all over the country. At Guadalajara the 
seed is mixed with barley water. I obtained specimens at Colomas 
(BB No. 111). 

Chia seed has been obtained from various markets in Mexico, and 
plants have been grown in Washington from whicli herbarium speci- 
mens have been made. These specimens have been determined by Mr. 
M. L. Fernald, who reports that the Salvias are S. hispanica L. and S. 
tiliaefolia Yahl. Seed and specimens of chia grande sent in by Dr. E. 
Palmer prove to be Mesospliaerum suaveolens. 
Tamarindus indica L. 

The tamarind tree {Tamarindus indica) is now grown all over trop- 
ical Mexico. The fruit is largely used in making a cooling drink, and 
is sold everywhere. At Guadalajara it is displayed in great shallow 
baskets 9 dm. (3 feet) in diameter and 20 cm. (8 inches) deep. (PI. 
XXVIII, fig. 1.) 

The fruit of two species of Bromelia is often used in making a sub- 
acid drink. 

A drink is sometimes made of the dried fruit of the ciruelo ' [Span- 
dias lutea), while in many places the ripe fruit of arrayan'^ {Myrtus 
arayan) is used in the same way. 

In Guadalajara I saw a drink called "tehuino," which is said to be 
made from cooked corn. 

A drink called "agua de cebada" is made by adding to water bar- 
ley flour, or more commonly softened barley ground on a "metate," 

I See p. 217. 2 gee p. 221. 



226 

together with sugar, cinnamon bark, and "ajonjoli," i. e. sesame, the 
seed of Sesamum indicum L. 

This mixture is of a muddy gray color, with a sweetish, starchy taste. 
It is carried about the streets in earthen Jars and sold for 1 cent 
a glass. 

SEASONING AND FLAVORING PLANTS. 

Some very curious dishes are served. Koast beef is eaten with a 
dressing of squashes, onions, and oil, while beefsteak is sometimes 
dressed with a mixture of red peppers, onions, and whole potatoes the 
size of cherries. Aguacate salad is made of mashed aguacate, onions, 
and cheese, while a "tomale" which I dissected was found to be made 
uj) of a combination of chicken, onion, red peppers, olives, and raisins. 
At Guaymas red peppers stuffed with cheese Avere served. Another 
interesting i^reparation called "enchalada" is made out of chile Colo- 
rado, queso (cheese), and cebollos (onions) folded uj) in a tortilla. These 
are mentioned not because they are peculiar, but as samples of scores 
of others. 

LAURACEAE. 

Litsea glaucescens H. B. K. var. Laurel. 

The leaves of this plant are much used in flavoring meats, soups, etc. 
It can be found in the little stores and markets everywhere. It is also 
considered to have some medicinal virtues. The leafy branches are gath- 
ered in bundles and dried. The crushed leaves are very fragrant and 
aromatic. It is a small glabrous shrub with narrow lanceolate leaves, 
pale green above, whitish beneath, and thickly covered with small 
pellucid dots. It grows high upon the mountains. Specimens were 
collected in the mountains near the Indian village of Santa Teresa, Ter- 
ritorio de Tepic, and near Plateado, in the State of Zacatecas, while 
dried specimens were bought at Bolaiios. 

UMBELLIFERAE. 

Carum petroselinum Bentb. Peri.jil. 

Cultivated in gardens, and used in flavoring all kinds of dishes. 

Coriandrum sativum L. 

Commonly used as a flavoring for soups, etc. It is largely sold in 
the markets, usually with cabbage and squash, small pieces of these 
and a stem of coriander being frequently seen laid out together, ready 
for purchasers. 

VERBENACEAE. 
Lippia spp. Oregano. ' 

The leaves of oregano are very much used to flavor food. Dr. Palmer 
states that at Acapulco they are used much as we use sage. It is 
cooked with fish, sausage, and other foods. 



'Also spelled oregeno, oragano. 



227 

The name "oregano" seems to be a geueric term applied to the leaves 
thus used of several si)ecies of Lippia. The plant so called at Acapulco 
is L. herlandieri Schauer; iu Lower California, L.palmeri spicata Rose, 
while on the tableland I found it to be L. purpiirea Jacq. 

SOLANACEAE. 

Solanum tuberosum. Papa. 

Strange as it may seem the potato, as used in Mexico, is to be classed 
as a tiavoring rather than as a vegetable. I never saw the potato there 
used as we use it. A few only, and these whole and very small, are 
added to soups and stews, along with raisins, olives, nanches, etc. Most 
that I saw were from about the size of cherries up to the size of small 
walnuts. The potatoes which they have are either the wild potatoes 
from the mountains or those which have recently been transplanted 
thence. The wild potato is apparently common. I collected specimens 
in the foothills, near Colomas, at an altitude of 840 meters (2,800 feet), 
and on the top of the Sierra Madre, altitude 2,040 meters (6,800 feet). 

Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, often reach a good size. These 
are cooked and brought to the markets in great quantities, and sold 
on the jilaza and along the sidewalks. 

EUPHORBIACEAE. 

Argithamnia sp. Azafran. 

A kind of seed used in giving an orange (;olor to soups, etc. 

MEDICINAL PLANTS. 

The native plants used as medicines, or supposed to have medicinal 
properties, are legion. Many of these, doubtless, have little or no real 
value. 

The country people and Indians seem to have but little knowledge 
of medicine, generally using teas made of bitter and strong-smelling 
herbs. 

More or less superstition is associated with certain plants, and great 
stress is laid upon some snjierstitious practices, for instance, that of 
sticking certain seeds on the temples to cure headache. 

Along the coast, Indiatn peddlers bring down from the mountains 
various seeds or dried herbs to sell, or these may be found in the little 
stores of the towns. Sometimes on the plaza one finds the "herb doc- 
tor" dealing out a paltry stock of medicines in cent packages. 

Much of the material which I saw for sale was in the form of dried 
roots or leaves, and in such cases specimens were not taken unless I 
saw the material collected and could identify the plant botanically. 

The uses of these plants as given below are as they were told me. 



228 

FILICES. 

Adiantum capillus-veneris L. Celantillo de ojo de agua. 

At Colomas this plant is used as a tea to relieve colic, but at Colotlan 
is taken as a tea for amenorrhea. This fui-nishes a good example of 
the diverse uses plants are often put to. The dried fronds were for 
sale iu the plaza at Colotlan (EB No, 29). 
Polypodium lanceolatum L. Lengua de cervo. 

A tea made from the fronds of this fern is taken to cure the itch. 
The dried fronds were for sale in the plaza at Colotlan (EB No. 27). 

LILIACEAE. 

Aloe sp. Savila. 

The crushed leaves of this plant are used with oil in making- a poul- 
tice to reduce swellings caused by venereal diseases. The plant was 
only seen about houses and towns where it had apparently been 
j)lanted. My specimens came from La Paz (Herb. No. 1303). 

CHENOPODIACEAE. 

Chenopodiiimincisum (L.) Poir. Ipazote del zorillo. 

The skunk ipazote is a general medicine in use among the common 
people and supposed to have various virtues, being usually taken in the 
form of a tea, which is reported to cure colic, pneumonia, etc. (Herb. 
No. 3G10 and EB No. 28.) My specimens were bought on the plaza at 
Colotlan, September, 1897. 

MAGNOLIA CEAE. 
Magnolia sp. Corpus. 

From the flowers a tea is made which is used to cure scorpion bites. 
The flowers are brought from trees which grow in the western foot- 
hills at an altitude of 3,000 to 3,500 feet. 

ANONACEAE. 

Anona sp. 

The bark of this plant is boiled in urine and used to kill the mange on 
all kinds of animals. (Herb. No. 1681.) 

LAURACEAE. 

Litsea glaucescens H. B. K. var. Laurel. 

A tea made from the leaves of laurel is taken for colds. The plant 
is, however, more largely used as a flavoring. (Herb. No. 313(1 and EB 
No. 63.) 

LEGUMINOSAE. 

Enterolobium cyclocarpum Griseb. Huinecastle. 

A sweet sirup is made from the bark of this tree, which is used iu 
cases of colds, etc. 

The bark is also used as a soap and in tanning. My specimen came 
from Colomas (Herb. No. 1759). 



229 

Leucaena sp. Tepahuaje. 

The country people use the bark to harden their gums. My herbarium 
specimen was obtained at Colomas, July, 1806 (Herb. 'No. 1725. EB 
No. 124, ijieces of bark as used by the people at Colomas.) 

ZYGOPHYLLACEAE. 

Covillea tridentata (DC.) Vail. Gobernadoka. 

A sample of this plant, as sold at Acaponeta, was purchased of an 
Indian peddler at that place. 

A tea made out of tlie leaves and branches is taken by women for 
l^ains in the womb, or the material, when fried in tallow, is used for 
rheumatism. 

The specimen is said to have come from the mountains east of Acapo- 
neta, but I saw no plants of it. (EB jSTo. 76.) 

MELIACEAE. 

Swietenia humilis (?) Zuoc. Flor dr venodillo. 

The seeds of the "flor de venodillo," which means "little-deer 
flower," are made into a tea which is taken for pains in the chest. 
Seeds were being sold at Acaponeta by Indian peddlers, who stated 
that they came from the coast near Acaponeta. (EB N^o. 77, seeds as 
sold by peddlers.) 

EUPHORBIACEAE. 

Acalypha phleoides (f) Cav. Verba pel cancer. 

The leaves and stems of this plant are made up into small bundles 
and dried. The leaves and flowers are crushed into a powder and 
applied to sores, etc. A tea is made from it and taken to cure itch. 
My specimens were purcliased on the plaza at Colotlan, September, 
1897. (EB No. 26.) 
Euphorbia sp. Verba i>e coy(»te. 

A tea is made from the dried plant which is supposed to relieve rheu- 
matic pains. My specimen was purchased on the plaza at Colotlan, 
September, 1897. (EB No. 25.) 
Euphorbia sp. Verba de golondrina. 

This plant is a small Eupliorbia said to have come from the high 
mountains east of Acaponeta. (Herb. No. 1520 and EB No. 122.) 

It is boiled and used as a poultice to reduce swellings and cure sores. 
Jatropha curcas L. Sangre grado. 

The plant is found in great quantities about fields. It is said to be 
used as a purgative, the seeds (physic nuts) being doubtless, as else- 
where, the part used. 

RHAMNACEAE. 

Karwinskia humboldtiana Zucc. Margarita. 

The leaves of this plant are crushed and soaked in water and the 

cold infusion used in cases of fevers. It has a wide use in Mexico. My 



230 

botanical specimens came from Colomas, but the plant has a wide dis- 
tribution. (Herb. ^o. 3l^G4.) 

MALVACEAE. 
Anoda hastata Cav. Altea. 

The leaves of this plant mixed with olive oil are taken for inflamma- 
tion of the stomach. My specimens came from near Plateado, August 
31, 1897. (Herb. No. 2709.) 

TURNERACEAE. 

Turiiera hiiniifusa (Presl) Entllich. Damiana. 

As is well Ivuown this plant is widely used in Mexico. At Acapo- 
neta I obtained medical specimens which had been brought from La 
Noria, above Mazatlan. It is here used as a tea, and taken to relieve 
pains in the stomach and bowels. My specimens were purchased of 
Indian peddlers at Acaponeta, August 2, 1897. (EB No. 120.) 

POLEMONIACEAE. 

Loeselia coccinea Dou. Espinocilla. 

The specimens were purchased at Acaponeta, and were said to have 
come from the mountains east of Acaponeta. From the leaves and 
stems an infusion or tea is made, which is taken to stop fevers. (EB 
No. 121.) 
Loeselia sp. Hinseseli. 

A tea is made of the leaves, which is used in fever and ague, while a 
cold infusion is used as a i^urgative. 

VERBENACEAE. 
Lantana sp. Majokana. 

This is said to be much used to relieve indigestion. My speciimen 
came from Plateado, September, 1897. (EB No. 119.) 
Lantana sp. Sonohita. 

The leaves of this plant, when boiled with barley, are given to 
women in childbirth. 

LABIATAE. 

Marrubium vnlgare L. Marrubio. 

A i)reparation made from the leaves of this is used for rheumatism. 
It is also added to mescal and applied as liniment for rheumatism. 
My specimens (EB No. 116) came from Plateado. 

SOLANACEAE. 
Datura tatula L. Toi.oachi. 

This plant is reputed to have many medicinal virtues. 

An unguent is made from the leaves by boiling the juice of the 
crushed leaves with tobacco and lard. The seeds are ground and used 
in the same way. 

My specimen was obtained at Plateado, where the species grows 
common in waste places about houses. Collected September 2, 1897. 
(Herb. No. 2775 ; EB No. 37.) 

« 



231 



BIGNONIACEAE. 

Pithecoctenium sp. Bejuco de huico. 

The large, winged seeds of this plant are applied to the temples, 
and are supposed to cure headaches. 

The same use is made of rose leaves and also of a paste made from 
the vanilla bean. My specimens came from Colomas, July, 1897. (Herb. 
No. 1696; EB No. 123.) 

COMPOSITAE. 
Hieracium sp. Leciiuguilla. 

Small bundles of the green i^lant are for sale in the markets. From 
it is made an infusion which is used as a wash for sores and skin dis- 
eases, it is also applied as a powder. My specimens were obtained 
in the market at Colotlan, September, 1897. (Herb. No. 2G80; EB 
No. 30.) 
Piqueria tiinervia Cav. ? . Tabardillo, 

The crushed leaves are made into an infusion and taken as a remedy 
for typhoid fever. It is also said to be used to relieve deafness caused 
by tyi)hoid fever. My specimens came from Plateado. (EB No. 118.) 
Tagetes lucida Cav. Yerba nil. 

This is one of the most widely used medicinal plants of western 
Mexico. The species has a wide distribution. The plants gathered 
by the country i)eople are made up into small bundles and dried, and 
then put away for use. It is made into a tea, and is supposed to have 
numerous virtues, including eflicacy against scorpion bites, fever and 
ague, etc. 

Dr. Palmer says that at Colima it is made into an insect jjowder. 
This is the same plant as the "Santa Maria" of the Cora Indians. 
My specimens were obtained at Colotlan and Plateado, September, 
1897. (EB Nos. 24, 117.) 
Zinnia linearis Bentb. Yerra de torro. 

This plant is very common on the table-lauds in Jalisco. The plants 
are broken oft' or pulled up by the roots and dried in small bundles, in 
which state they may be seen on the walls of the Mexican's hut. A 
tea is made from these dry stems, which is taken for pains in the 
stomach. My specimens were bought at a small ranch, one day's jour- 
ney south of Bolanos, September 20, 1897. (Herb. No. 3079; EB 
No. 78.) 
Manzanilla. 

The leaves are made into a tea and taken with olive oil for colic. 
With alcohol added the tea is given for nervousness. 

SOAP PLANTS. 

The Mexican countryman uses many of the native plants either in 
the place of soap or in its manufacture. In the country certain roots, 
fruits, barks, etc., called " amole," are extensively used in the raw state. 



232 

These are either rubbed upon the garment or added to the wash water. 
Among these are the roots of various agaves, yuccas, etc., and several 
fruits, as that of the soap berry and of Zizyphus. Manufactured soap 
is now widely used, either imported from the United States or made in 
the country. For the domestic soaps oils are obtained from the seeds 
and fruits both of native and introduced plants, the most important 
being a palm oil much used on the west coast, castor oil, and cotton- 
seed oil. 

In the notes which follow I have included both the species which 
were collected by myself and those which have been sent in by our col- 
lectors, especially Dr. E. Palmer. In the list at the end are recorded 
all the species which have been reported as used for soaj) or in soap 
making. f 

PALMACEAE. 

Attalea cohune Mart. ? CoQUiTO. 

A palm known to the trade as the coquito grows in abundance about 
Manzanillo and furnishes large quantities of oil, which is shipped to 
the larger towns along the coast and manufactured into soap. Suffi- 
cient material has not been seen positively to identify the species, but 
it seems best to refer it as above until it can be definitely named. 

At a factory at Guaymas, I obtained a sample of soap and of the palm 
oil made from this nut. The oil comes from Manzanillo and San Bias, 
and is made from the nuts grown about Manzanillo and perhaps other 
places in south Mexico. About 100,000 pounds of this oil is used eachi 
year in the Guaymas fiictory. A consignn^ent of 57,000 pounds had just 
been ordered from San Bias at the time of my visit. The oil has much 
the odor of olive oil, and is said to make a very fine laundry soap, espe- 
cially valuable for washing tlannels. The soap is first made into a large 
cake which weighs 2,000 pounds. The large cake is at last cut into 
small pieces of 3, 3i, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10 ounces, and then boxed for ship- 
ment to various places along the coast. In the making of each cake 
350 pounds of the oil is used and 800 pounds of tallow. If the soap 
has the merits claimed for it, soap makers in the United States will find 
it to their advantage to inquire into the question of a supply of the oil 
of this palm. 

The following specimens were secured : 

EB No. 128. Palm oil obtained at Guaymas. 

EB No. 129. A piece of soap obtaiued at Guaymas. 

LILIACEAE. 

Yucca baccata Torr. 

It probably will be a surprise to many to learn that amole soap is 
much used in the United States. 

The large rootstocks of Yucca haccata have long been used at 
Peoria, 111., in making a fine toilet soap. A thousand pounds of this 
plant is consumed each month by the Mexican Amole Soap Company, 



233 

who obtain their supply from the Organ Mountains, near Las Cruces, 
N. Mex. This company manufactures some twenty different kinds of 
soap preparations.' 

AMARYLIilDACEAE. 

Agave heteracantha Zucc. 

Dr. E. Palmer has recently (November, 1898) brought back a large 
quantity of the rootstock of an Agave, probably A. heteracantha^ or a 
species very near it, which he says is largely sold in the market at 
Saltillo, Coahuila, for soap. These rootstocks, or bases of the stem, 
are about 7.5 cm. (3 inches) long, 3.8 to 5 cm. (l.J to 2 inches) in 
diameter, and are covered with black scales or leaf bases. These 
pieces are sold in the open markets at G or 8 for a cent, according to 
size. They are prepared for use much as are the other native amoles. 
Agave lechuguilla Torr. 

Agave lechuguilla is very common on the hills about E\ Paso, both in 
Texas and Mexico, where I obtained botanical specimens. Dr. Havard 
states that the leaves contain a valuable substitute for soap. (Herb. 
No. 1101.) 

Agave variegata Jacobi. 

Mr. Fred. Stark, of Brownsville, Tex., writes that the rootstock of 
this species is called "amole," and that a piece the size of a small 
walnut when "grated and mixed with a quart of warm water is enough 
to clean a full suit of clothes." 
Agave sp.? Amole. 

Dr. Palmer procured in the market at Guaymas specimens of another 
soap i)Iant with leaves resembling those of Agave angustisshna Engelm. 
As noted by him, it is found in the mountains near that place. The 
stems are cut off Just above the ground and the leaf clusters, two tied 
up together, a smaller within a larger one, are brought to market to be 
sold as a substitute for soap. This material after being pounded is 
thrown into water to be used for washing blankets or woolen clothing. 
Manfreda spp. Amole. 

The herbaceous annual-leaved agaves (§ Manfreda of most authors) 
are called "amole" all over Mexico in contrast with the perennial-leaved 
ones (Agave proper), which are called "maguey." These are used as 
generic terms, and throughout my whole trip 1 did not find them used 
interchangeably. This is, I know, at variance with many printed state- 
ments. The species of the Manfreda group most generally used is 
supposed to be Agave brachystachys, sometimes called A. saponaria on 
account of its use as soap. I did not see this species in flower or even 
growing, but I brought back roots which are now in cultivation and 
will sooner or later flower. The roots were i)urchased in the markets 
where they were being sold under the name of amole. Specimens were 

' For further notes on the use of this plant see Havard in Proceedings U. S. 
National Museum, vol. 8, p. 516, 1885. 
22114 7 



234 

obtained botli at Bolafios and Guadalajara. At the former place I was 
told that the roots were used in every household of the town. The 
jjlants are said to grow high up in the Sierra Madre. They are brought 
down by the Huichole Indians, and this forms the principal occupation 
of many of them. The part of the plant which is used as soap is really 
not the root, but a thick, irregular rootstock sometimes forming large 
masses (PI. XXXIV). The natives dry these rootstocks, and when 
grated and put into water they form a good lather. 
The specimens obtained are : 

EB No. 61. Amole. Bought in the market at Bolauos. 
EB No. 72. Amole. Bought in the market at Guadalajara. 

Specimens were purchased by Dr. Palmer in 1898 at Zacatecas of 
another amole which has a (j[uite different rootstock from that of A. 
brachystachys, belonging perhaps to A. guttata. The rootstocks are 
always single, 5 to 6.25 cm. (2 to 2| inches) long. Dr. Palmer states 
that a frequent way of i)reparing it, practiced by the Mexicans, is to 
mash or pound the rootstocks between stones, put the powder into a 
small quantity of water, and, after allowing it to soak, drain the water 
off into the wash water. 

It is not at all unlikely that quite a number of the species of Man- 
freda are used as soap, but have not yet been reported. The roots 
which are sold in the markets are brought in by the Indians or country 
people without any vestige of foliage or flowers, and of course are not 
in condition for identification. These roots, however, are very tena- 
cious of life and can be planted long after they have been taken from 
the ground. Dry rootstocks which I purchased in Mexico showed 
considerable vitality after sixteen months. 

Prochnyanthes viridescens Wats. Amolilla. 

^'Amolilla" was the name given to me for Prochnyanthes viridescens, 
a common plant of the mountains with rootstocks very similar to those 
of the herbaceous Agaves and said to be used for soap in the same 
way. (Herb. Nos. 2045, 2679, 3724, etc.) 

PIPERACEAE. 

Piper palmeri C. DC. Hachogue. 

This plant was collected by Dr. Palmer at Colima. He states that 
it is used by laundresses for cleaning clothes, and that the liquid 
obtained by boiling it is used to cure colic in man and in horses and 
mules, and for pains in the stomach and chest, also for cutaneous 
diseases. It is applied either externally or internally. The fruits, 
which resemble small candles, are edible. 

PHYTOLACCACEAE. 

Stegnosperma halimifolia Benth. 

The powdered root of Stegnosperma halimifolia is used by the people 
of Lower California, according to Dr. E. Palmer, as a substitute for soap. 



Contr. Nat. Herb.. Vol. V. 



Plate XXXIV. 




ROOTSTOCKS OF AN AGAVE (MaNFREDAi USED FOR SOAP. 



\ 



235 

ROSACEAE. 
Licania arborea Seem. Cana dulce. 

The seeds of a Licania (probably L. arborea) which grows about 
Acapulco are very rich in oil. According to Dr. E. Palmer the people 
at Acapulco make from them a vegetable tallow which is added to other 
oils in soap making. This tallow gives a green color to the soa^). The 
plant grows in the lowland and on mountain sides about Acapulco, 
growing to the height of 4.5 to G meters (15 to 20 feet). 

It is known under various names, such as cana dulce, cacahuate, 
cacahuianche. 

LEGUMINOSAE. 

Entada polystachya DC. Bk.iuco dI': amole. 

Dr. Palmer furnishes the following data: 

"This is a vine, hanging for support npou other plants. Its numerous 
large seed pods flapping in the wind are a novel sight. It has curious 
hooks, by which it swings itself from tree to tree. The older wood of 
this plant is cut up into suitable lengths, then pounded with stones 
until the entire mass is separated into shred-like form, when it is tied 
into bundles and sold in the market to be used as a substitute for soap 
by the poor." 

Specimens were collected by Dr. B. Palmer at Acai)ul('-o, 1894—05. 
(Herb. No. 159. J 

Enterolobium cyclocarpum Griseb. Huinecastle. 

The bark and ]}ods of Unterolohium cyclocarpuin, called "huinecas- 
tle,^ are used in place of soap for washing woolen clothes at Colomas, 
a little hamlet in southeastern Sinaloa. 

EUPHORBIACEAB. 

Ricinus communis L. Higuekilla. 

The castor-oil bean is largely grown in Mexico. It there often 
assumes a tree-like form, reaching a heiglit of 4.5 to 6 meters (15 to 20 
feet). The seeds furnish much oil. I saw the plant only on the table- 
lands, but it seems to be common elsewhere. According to Dr. Palmer 
this oil is also used in soap making. 

RHAMNACEAE. 

Zizyphus me::sicana Rose. 

The fruits of Zizyphus mexicana, according to Dr. Palmer, are highly 
prized for washing woolen goods. He found them used in the State of 
Colima, where they are seen for sale in the markets. 

MALVACEAE. 
Gossypium sp. 

Dr. Palmer states that much cotton-seed oil is used in soap making 
in the States of Durango and Coahuila. He does not know which si)e- 
cies of Gossypium furnishes the seed, but it is j)robably G. herhaceum. 



236 



PEDALIACEAE. 

Sesamum indicum L. Ajonjoli. 

Sesamum indicum is cultivated at Acai)ulco and other places in Mex- 
ico. The seeds are very oily aud are used iu many ways in cooking, 
candies, etc. According to Dr. Palmer the oil is used in making soap. 
In Mexico this i)lant grows to the height of 0.9 to 1.2 meters (3 to 4 
feet). 

CUCURBITACEAE. 

Cayaponia dubia (Hook. & Aru. ) Rose. 

Cayaponia duhia is a vine common on the west coast of Mexico. The 
vine, with the ripened or half-ripened fruit, is gathered and sold in the 
markets at Rosario and elsewhere. It is said to be used in the place 
of soaj). The dry stems and fruit are crushed before using. (Herb. 
No. 1481; EB ^o. 81.) 
Cucurbita foetidissima H. B. K. Calaleasilla. 

Dr. Palmer tells me that a Cucurbita (probably C. foetidissima) with 
small fruit is much used by the washerwomen in northern Mexico. He 
states that they mash the fruit and vines into a kind of i)ulp and add 
it to their wash water. 

Dr. Manuel Urbina published a short paper on " Los Amoles Mexi- 
canos," in 1897, iu which he listed 21 species of plants used as amole. 

In the list which follows 30 species are recorded. So far as known 
I have given the Mexican name and the part of the plant used. 

Soap ^plants of Mexico. 



Systematic name. 



RhAMNACEAE: 

Zizyphus mexieana Rose 

SAPINDACEAE : 

Sapindun galeotti Gray 

Sapindus inequaUs DC 

Sapindus inarginatus Willd 

Sapindus saponaria L 

Sapindus sp 

LeGUMINOSAE : 

Entada polystachya DC 

Enterolobiuin cyclocarpum Griseb 

CUCURBITACEAE : 

Cayai)onia duhia (Uook. <fc A in.) Kose — 

Cucurbita foetidissima H. B. K 

PhYTOLACCACEAE : 

Phytolacca octandra L 

Phytolacca icosandra L 

Stegnosperma haliimfolia Bentli 

DiOSCOREACEAE : 

Dioscorea convolvulacea Cham. & Sclilecht. 

Dioscorea sp 

PlPERACEAE : 

Piper palmeri C. DC 



Common name. 



Amole . 



Bejuco de amole. 
Huinecastlo 



Amole . 



Parts used. 



Fruit. 

Fruit. 

Do. 

Do. 
Fruit (?). 
Fruit. 

Wood. 

Bark and pods. 

Fruit and vine. 
Do. 



Roots. 



237 

Soa}} plants of Mexico — Continued. 



Systematic name. 



Common name. 



Parts used. 



LlLIACEAE : 

Tucca rupicola rigida Engelm 

Yucca baccata Nutt 

Tucca angustifolia Pursh 

AMARYLLIDACEAE : 

(§ Agave proper.) 

Agave filif era Salm Dyck 

Agave heteracantha ( ?) Zucc 

Agave lechuguilla Torr 

Agave mexicana Lam 

Agave parryi Engelm 

(§Manfreda.) 

Agave brachystachys Cav 

Agave guttata Jacobi & Boucli6 

Agave variegata Jacobi , 

Bravoa geminiflora Llav. & Lex . . . 

Polianth.es tuberosa L 

Prochnyanthes viridesce7is AVatson . 
Zephyranthes carinata Herbert 



Amole . 



Amole, lechuguilla. 

do 

do 



Amole 

Auiolilla, amole . 



Roots and rootstocks. 



Rootstock. 
Leaves. 



Rootstock. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 
Bulbs. 



The above list of soap plants are all used in their native state. The 
following is a list of plants which furnish oil used in soap making. 
Only five species are given although doubtless others are used. 

Mexican plants furnisMn(j oils used in soap maJciny. 



Specific name. 


Common name. 


Part used. 


Malvaceae. 






Pedaliackae. 




Do. 


EUPHORBIACEAE. 




Do. 


Palmaceae. 




Do. 


ROSACKAE. 




Eruit. 









TANNING AND DYE PLANTS. 

I was not able to obtain much information regarding the plants used 
for tanning or dyes, but a few notes were made which are here brought 
together. 

LEGUMINOSAE. 

Haematoxylon boreale Wats. Brazil. 

The wood is known as "brazil," and is largely used throughout the 

country as a dyewood, giving a dark brown or red color. Among its 

applications was notod its use to color tomales, mats, and agave fiber. 



238 

Haematoxylon campecJiianum is supposed to be tlie logwood of com- 
merce, but the above species is largely exported under that name, and 
has been for many years. Seemaun, as long ago as 1848-1850, stated 
that the wood was largely exported from Mazatlau. It is not now so 
extensively exported from the west coast as formerly, but it is one of 
the chief exports from Altata, while much wood is shipped from Piaxtla, 
a small place down the coast, and also from Mazatlan. 

The wood from Altata goes chiefly to Havre and Hamburg, ships 
often being loaded with this wood alone. 

On account of this extensive cutting it is hard to find specimens of 
any size along the coast, but in some of the hot interior valleys large 
shrubs or even small trees are to be seen. Although so very common, 
this species is rarely collected botanically, there being specimens in 
the National Herbarium from only three localities. This is undoubt- 
edly the Haematoxylon canipechianuni referred to by Seemanu as coming 
from near Mazatlau. 
Lysiloma Candida Brandegee. Palo blanco. 

A great quantity of taubark is used at (xuaymas. It is brought 
from Lower California in small boats. I saw one consignment of 170 
bags landed June 9, 1897. Sometimes 1,000 bags are brought over at 
one time. Each bag contains about 200 pounds. It is worth $25 per 
ton in Lower California and about $30 at Guaymas. 

There is a tannery some 3 miles southwest of Guaymas, which I vis- 
ited. I found that the chief bark used was the palo bianco {Lysiloma 
Candida), of which great quantities are consumed. It is said to be very 
strong in tannic acid. The work in the tannery is chiefly done by 
Yaqui Indians, but is superintended by Mexicans or Americans. Mod- 
ern methods are followed in the treatment of the hides, etc., and a very 
good quality of leather is produced. " Torote" wood is used to some 
extent. This is perhaps Bursera microphyUa. In this case it is not the 
bark that is used, but the wood. This is split up much like kindling 
wood into pieces 10 to 15 cm. (4 to 6 inches) long. 

The cascalote bean {Caesalpinla coriaria) is used in tanning small 
hides. It is shipped in bags in great quantities from Mauzanillo. 

For this information and for samples I am indebted to Mr. P. B. 
Chism, who is well informed as to its use, and to Messrs. C. E. Eandall 
and Frank Parkhurst. 

The bark of huinecastle [EnteroloMum cyclocarpum) is used at Colomas 
for tanning purposes. At Colotlan the bark from one of the oaks found 
on the mountain sides is used. 

The specimens brought back are: 

EB No. 109. Bark of Lysiloma Candida, used in tauuing. 

EB No. 110. Wood of Bursera microphyUa, used iu tauuing. 
Jatropha spathulata occidentalis. Tkcote prieto. 

This bush is very common on the west coast, and is, according to Dr. 
Palmer, sometimes exported, being used both as a dye and for tanning 
purjioses. « 



239 



FIBER PLANTS. 

There are many fiber- producing' plants in Mexico regarding which 
very much has already been written. What is now especially needed 
is some careful botanical research and collecting' for the purpose of 
determining the species of plants which produce certain well-known 
fibers. There is no place where this work is so iliuch needed as among 
the Mexican agaves. Particularly is the want noticeable in the litera- 
ture of istle, or Tampico liemp. This fiber has usually been attributed 
to Agave heteracantha, but it is now known that several very different 
plants, one at least being a yucca, furnish fiber for the Tampico mar- 
ket; and even the so-called Agave heteracantha seems to be an aggre- 
gate of species. Our botanical names for the Sisal hemp plant are very 
much confused, as several apparently very distinct species pass under 
the name of Agave rigida. Other cases might be mentioned which are 
scarcely less confusing. 

I have not attempted here to compile the information available 
regarding Mexican fibers, but to bring together chiefly my own obser- 
vations upon the few fiber plants met with in my travels through 
Mexico, and for this reason my notes are largely fragmentary. 

I have also included the information collected by Mr. E. W. Kelson 
and Dr. E. Palmer in 1898, both of whom had been requested to gather 
all data they could regarding fiber plants. 

PALMACEAE. 

The palms are among the most valuable plants of Mexico. Their 
trunk supi)lies lumber or material for building houses, fences, etc. The 
leaves are used in covering houses and huts and made into mats, bas- 
kets, brushes, hats, etc. Some species furnish fiber, which is used in 
many ways, as for saddle sweaters, eto. These saddle sweaters, called 
" suadaderos," are said to be made from the trunk of some palm which 
is beaten into a fibrous mass. They were seen on sale in the markets 
of Colotlan, Guadalajara, etc. 

Several species furnish edible fruits or oil, which is used in the manu- 
facture of soap, etc. These fruit- producing palms are referred to else- 
where in this paper. 

The making of hats from palm leaves is a very imj^ortant industry. 
A species with fan-shaped leaves furnishes the fiber. At Colotlan, 
where I saw hats in process of making, the material came from trees 
growing near Tapesco, a small town near Tequila. The leaves are cut, 
dried, and bleached before they are brought to the market (see EB 
No. 31). The various segments of the leaf are cut down to the base, 
and each of them slit with a pin into narrow threads, 2 mm. (one- 
sixteenth of an inch) wide and about 4.5 dm. (1^ feet) long. The strips 
are tied into large bundles, and are then ready for use (see EB No. 
32). Some eight of these strijis are taken and worked into a very close 



240 

braid, 3 mm. (one-eighth iuch) wide, the strips being repeatedly moist- 
ened to make them more pliable (see EB No. 33), Then these braids 
(see EB Ko. 33) are carefully trimmed and worked into the hat, two 
being sewed in at a time. They are sewed together with thread made 
from agave iiber. The thread is made up by the workman only as 
needed. He keeps a large skein of the fiber at his side (see EB No. 
35), and as he needs a new thread withdraws several fibers from the 
skein. These he draws through his mouth to moisten, and then rubs 
them with the palm of his hand over the upper part of his bare leg. 
Then he draws them through his mouth again and then over his leg, 
and repeats the process until the thread is complete (see EB No. 36). 
A tall wooden form is used to shape the hat. A plain hat made in 
this manner sells for $10. 

Eain coats are also made from the leaves of palm and other similar 
leaves. They are formed of numerous overlapping leaf segments, and 
are said to make very satisfactory coats. 

The accompanying photograph (PI. XXXV) shows a party of Guerrero 
Indians returning from the Pacific coast with bundles of bleached palm 
leaves. 

The following specimens were secured : 

EB No. 3. An odd little brush made from ]>alni leaves. It was bought from an 
Indian who lived in the niouutaius east of Acaponeta. 

EB No. 2. A fly brush made from the common Sabal of Sinaloa and Territorio de 
Tepic. 
Sabal sp. 

Along the coast a species of Sabal {Sabal sp. nov.) which has a slender 
trunk is used in making corrals, the framework of huts, etc. In some 
places great quantities of the leaves are used to form the sides or roofs 
of rude huts. In Acaponeta many houses are covered in this way. 
Leaves for this j)uri)ose are cut in the dry season and brought to the 
town on the backs of donkeys. Here they are liiled up and allowed to 
dry and bleach. In the country the roofs are not repaired until after 
the first hard rains have located all the leaks, and in the meantime 
have spoiled much of the contents of the huts. 

LILIACEAE. 
Dasylirion sp. Sotol. 

Nolina sp. Soy ate. 

The leaves of both these plants are used in the making of hats, 
either separately or together, or mixed with wheat straw or i^alm 
leaves (PI. XXXVI). It is very common to see bundles of leaves 
about the huts of the Indians or Mexicans. The leaves are laid into 
swaths and dried and bleached in the sun, and then stowed away 
for use. 

They are also made into floor mats. While many of these are 
roughly made, others are carefully and tastefully put together. These 
are sometimes banded with blue and rod. The latter color is obtained 
by dyeing with Brazil wood and the former (so I was told) by adding 



Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. V 



Plate XXXV. 



¥^ 









'■n 







>.../ 



Contr. Nat Herb., Vol. V 



Plate XXXVI. 




Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol, V. 



Plate XXXVII. 




Contr Nat. Herb-, Vol. V 



l-LATt XXXVIII. 




241 

lime to rlie Brazil wood dye. These mats are often spreaa ou tlie 
grouud or over board or bamboo covered cots to sleep upon. By 
twistiug the leaves rude ropes are made, a specimen of which I 
obtained at Plateado. A fan-shaped blower, made by braiding the 
leaves, is much used in starting fires (PI. XXXVII). 
The following si)ecimens were obtained: 

EB No. 114. Leaves of soiol iu llie process of bleaching. 

EB No. 39. The same partially bleached and split iuto strijis suitable for braiding 
into hats. 

EBNo. 40. The same mixed with soyate made iuto hat braid which is left 
untrimmed. 

EB No. 41. Leaves of soyate partially bleached. 

EB No. 42. Untrimmed hat braid made from leaves of soyate. 

EB No. 44. A blower made from the leaves of sotol. 

EB No. 52. Mat made from green leaves of sotol. 

EBNo. 38. A small rope made from leaves of the soyate. This was obtained at 
Plateado, Zacatecas. 

Expi^NATiON OF Plate XXXVII.— Fig. 1, fire blower made from sotol leaves; fig. 2, rope made 
from sotol leaves; fig. 3, soyate leaves used in hat makiug; figs. 4, 5, sotol leaves used in hat making. 

Yucca filifera Chabaud. Palma loca. 

There has been some confusion heretofore as to the botanical name 
of the i)alma loca. In the Kew Bulletin for 1890 it was stated to be 
Agave striata, but Mr. Nelson's notes and specimens seem to establish 
that it is a Yucca. 

Mr. Nelson writes of it as follows: 

The palma loca is the single-stemmed Yucca with upright flower stalk, and is very 
abundant. The fiber is more abundant than in the lechuguilla but is a little more 
difficult to obtain and is coarser and more brittle, so that its commercial value is 
less. An attempt was made at Miquihuana a few years ago to export this fiber, but it 
was given up in favor of the lechuguilla. The trial shipment was sent to New York. 

The cleaned fiber is about 5 dm. long. 

Mr. Nelson's specimens may be described as follows: Stems 1.8 to 7.5 
meters high ; leaves 6 dm. long, 4 cm. broad at widest i)oint, narrowed to 
2 cm. at the base and upward to a stout spine 1.5 to 2 cm. long, the mar- 
gin splitting ofi:' into long threads; flower stalk single and upright. 
Leaves and fiber were collected by Mr. E. W. Nelson, at Matehuala, 
Tamaulipas, 1898. 

Yucca treculeana (?) Carr. Isote. 

The isote is a tall arborescent Yucca very common in the western 
table-lands. This plant sometimes reaches 15 meters in height, with a 
trunk 24 dm. in diameter. The leaves are 6 to 7 dm. long, and are cut 
into narrow strips by the country peojile and used as strings for tying 
grass brooms, and for stringing crab apples (tejocotes). (PL XXXVIII.) 

Specimens were obtained as follows: 

EB No. 64. A strand of Crataegus fruits upon isote fiber. 

EB No. 65, 66. A narrow strip of the fiber. 

EB No. 67. A part of the leaf from which strips were being taken. 

EB No. 68. An entire leaf. 



242 



AMARYLLIDACEAE. 

Agave spp. Maguey, lechuguilla, tapemete, etc. 

By far the most important fiber-producing plants are the numerous 
species of agave. These have various common and local names. 

The maguey is a generic term applied to most of the agaves proper, 
usually with some specific designation. Lechuguilla, meaning "cab- 
bage-like," is applied to several of the smaller agaves and manfredas, 
as well as to plants in other families. (PI. XL VII.) 

The quality of the agave fibers varies greatly in the different species, 
being suitable in some for making the finest thread, while in others it 
is used in making great ropes and cables. Not only are all kinds of 
threads, strings, and ropes made from the various qualities of agave 
fiber, but it is woven into many kinds of cloth, handbags, ore and 
grain sacks, matting, etc., or made up into brushes for scouring, for 
whitewashing, and for toilet purj)oses. 

In all the interior parts of the country the people obtain their supply 
from their local species, each locality having one or more, or else they 
bring tbe leaves from the neighboring mountains. 

Along our southern border, especially in the vicinity of El Paso, 
Tex., Agave lechuguilla is very abundant, and from it a short coarse 
fiber is obtained. This species has been confused with A. heieracantha, 
from which, although the two are closely related, it appears to be dis- 
tinct. It is not unlikely that A. lechuguilla may furnish a part of the 
Tampico hemp of commerce. It is a rather small species, having only 
20 to 30 leaves. The leaves are about 20 cm. (10 inches) long and 25 mm. 
(1 inch) broad, green and not at all banded down the face. Our 
herbarium seems to show at least four good species of the heteracantha 
group, all from the general region from which the Tampico hemp is 
produced. I should not hesitate to describe some of them as new if I 
understood wliat is really the type of A. heteracantha Zucc. and A. 
poselgerii Salm. I have the tyj)e of A. lechuguilla and have seen the 
description of A. heteracantha, but the latter answers to no specimens 
we have. 

Mr. E. W. Nelson collected leaves, flowers, and fibers of two species 
of agave in Jaumave Valley and near Matehuala, Tamaulipas, which he 
states are the ixtle fiber plants of that region, and whose fiber is sent 
to Tamjiico for shipment. 

One of these is jterhaj^s A. lophantha, but as only two "cogollos" 
(bunches of young leaves) were collected the identification is uncertain. 
Even in these young leaves the marginal spines are widely separated, 
in some cases being 5 cm. apart and in this respect unlike the following 
si)ecies. The leaves of both differ from those of the A. heteracantha 
group in being narrowed at base. 

I have identified the other as Agave univittata Haw. The leaves 
almost exactly agree with specimens recently sent me from Kew, 



Contr. Nat, Herb., Vo,. V. 



Plate XXXIX. 




CoGOLLOS OF Plants furnishing Tampco Hemp. 



Contr Nat. Herb . Vol. V 



Plate XL. 




Small Bunch of Tampico Fiber. 



Contr. Nat, Herb., Vol. V. 



Plate XL!. 




Small Bunch of Tampico Fiber. 



Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. V. 



Plate XLII 




String made by Hand from Tampico Fiber. 



Contr. Nat. Herb , Vol. V. 



Plate XLIII. 




String made by Hand from Tampico Fiber. 



■Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. V. 



Plate XLIV. 




Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. V. 



Plate XLV. 




Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. V. 



Plate XLVI. 




243 

England, although they do not agree with the illustration of this species 
as given in Saunders's Refugium Botanicum. 

Mr. Nelson's specimens may be described as follows : Leaves 25 to 50, 
5 dm. long by 3 cm. wide near the middle, scarcely narrowed toward the 
base, green or somewhat glaucous-green with a pale baud down the 
middle of the face, which, however, fades out in the dried specimens; 
flowering stalk glaucous; the bracts among the flowers filiform, 5 
cm. long, persistent; the ovary 14 to 15 mm. long, glaucous, con- 
stricted above; the perianth tube very short, 2 to 3 mm. long, with lobes 
15 mm. long, described as yellow, but when dry of a reddish tinge; the 
stamens twice as long as the segments. This agave is also known as 
lechuguilla. 

Mr. Nelson writes of these species as follows: 

These plants grow wild in the greatest abundance on limevstoiie mountains and 
adjacent valleys from near Victoria, Tamaulipas, to the Mexican National Railroad, 
in San Luis Potosi, and from Peotillas, in San Luis Potosi, north to near Saltillo, 
Coahuila. From within this area many million pounds are exported (via Tampico) 
each year, nearly the entire product going to the United States. 

The ixtle fiber shipjied from Tampico is produced mainly in the region about the 
valley of Jaumave and valley of Tula, in western Tamaulipas and adjacent part of 
eastern San Luis Potosi. The production of this fiber is the main industry of a con- 
siderable area, with the towns of Jaumave and Tula as the centei's. The liber from 
the Jaumave district is shipped by pack animals to the town of Victoria, on the 
Monterey and Gulf Railroad, and thence by rail to Tampico. The Tula Valley out- 
put is sent to Cenito, on the Mexican Central Railroad, in eastern San Luis Potosi, 
and sent by rail thence to Tampico. Wagon roads lead out from Tula to the rail- 
road, and the State government has had a large force of convicts working for a num- 
ber of years building a finely constructed road from ^'ictoria across the mountains 
to Jaumave. The fiber of this region is produced in the arid lower austral zone at 
altitudes between 2,000 and 5,000 feet. The leaves are from 1.5 to 30 inches long. 
Only the tender, unfolded leaves forming the central bunch are used, as the fiber 
of the old outer leaves is too coarse and brittle. This central spike of unopened 
leaves called "cogoUo" (PL XXXIX) is gathered by means of a short staff, 4 feet 
long, with an iron ring fitted by a ferrule to one end. The iron ring is slipped over 
the cogollo and a quick wrench breaks it loose, and it is then placed in a basket on 
the laborer's back. The man gathers a back load in this way and proceeds to a 
large bush or small tree, Avhere he can get shelter from the sun, and, placing the 
leaves in a heap near the base of the tree, proceeds to clean out the fiber. 

Explanation of Plate XXXIX.— Figs. 1,2, cogollos of an agave which furnishes Tampico hemp; 
fig. 3, cogollo of a Yucca which furnishes Tampico hemp. 

"Tampico fiber" is a term applied to all fiber shipped from the port 
of Tampico on the Gulf coast of Northern Mexico (Pis. XL to XLIll). 
It is usually considered to be synonomous with ixtle ^ (Pis. XLIVto 
XLVI). A better classification, however, is to confine "ixtle" to the 
fiber of the short-leaved agave, and apply "palma loca" to the fiber 
of the Yucca, and " guapilla " to the fiber of the linear-leaved agave. 

'By various authorities ixtle is stated to be the fiber of Bromelia sijlvestris. The 
name is also sometimes applied to sisal hemp. Agave ixtle does not seem to furnish 
ixtle fiber. 



244 

Ixtle fiber is shipped to Tampico especially from San Luis Potosi, 
Tereone, Saltillo, Tula, and Victoria, where it forms one of the i^rinci- 
pal articles of export. 

According to United States Government reports for the year of 
1897-98, our supply of ixtle was from the following places, arranged 
according to quantity: Tampico, Saltillo, Monterey, Sau Luis Potosi, 
Victoria, Porfiiio Diaz, and Matamoras. The amount, valued in 
American money, declared for shij)ment to the United States, was as 
follows: Tampico, $62,002.42; Saltillo, 145,476.43; Monterey, $35,659.49; 
San Luis Potosi, $14,424.86 ; Victoria, $4,220.67 ; Porfirio Diaz, $1,912.56; 
Matamoras, $582.50. From these reports it might be inferred that 
Tampico is the immediate center of a fiber-producing district, but 
this is not the case. No fiber is produced near Tampico, but it comes 
from the mountains and table-land region, some 300 miles to the west. 
The other towns mentioned are the chief centers of the Tampico hemp 
industry. 

Imports for consumption of Tampico hemp into the United States from 1SS4 to 1S9SJ 



Tear. Tons. 


Value. 


Value 
per ton. 


Tear. 


Tons. 


Value. 


Value 
per ton. 


1884 .... 


339. 12 
3,247.64 
3, 895. 19 
2, 181. 30 
1, 933. 26 
3, 489. 03 
5, 304. 00 
5, 455. 33 


$37,832 
294, 636 
326, 311 
165, 156 
153,011 
292, 934 
463, 112 
469, 720 


$111.56 
90.71 
83.77 
75.71 
79.15 
83.96 
87.30 
86.11 


1892 


4, 646. 50 
4, 579. 88 
5, 127. 00 
9, 708. 00 
12, 205. 00 
6, 299. 08 
2, 556. 00 


$325, 053 
264, 617 
286, 231 
458, 404 
717, 585 
335, 241 
129, 921 


$69. 96 
57.78 
55.82 
47.22 
58.79 
53.22 
50.83 


1885 


1893 


1886 


1894 


1887 


1895 


1888 


1896 


1889 


1897 


1890 


1898 


1891 







The following are the most important Mexican terms relating to this 
plant : ^ 

Lechuguilla — the plant itself (PI. XLVII, ligs. 1, 2, and 4). Also applied to various 
plants other than agave. 

CogoUo (sometimes wrongly spelled cogolho), the cone of young leaves from 
which the fiber is taken (Pis. XXXIX, XLVII, fig. 1). Also applied to the young 
crown leaves of yucca, etc. 

Ixtle — sometimes spelled istle and ystle — the fiber. 

Burro, the instrument used to wrench loose the cogollo. 

Tallador, or tierro tallador, the scraper. 

Estcca banco, the block on which the fiber is cleaned. 

Eetranca, the small peg which braces the estoca. 

Banco del ide, the large peg with notch under which the end of the tallador is 
placed. 

Boliyo, the grasper. 



' Commerce and Navigation of the United States, 1896, vol. 2, p. 1159. 
vol. 1, p. 535 ; 1898, vol. 1, p. 617. 
2 For illustrations of instruments see Pis. XLVII to XLIX. 



Same, 1897, 



245 

Agave americana L. 

This seems not to be very common in western Mexico. I saw only a few 
cultivated specimens, and those always about settlements. The Indians 
of the Sierra Maai'e claim to obtain from it a fine soft fiber used chiefly 
for thread. Contrary to general belief, Agave americana has little 
economic value as compared with some of the other species. 

Herbarium specimens only were obtained of this species. 
Agave cochlearis (?) Jacobi. Pulque maguey. 

Mr. Nelson says of this fiber that it is very flue and strong and used 
for making fine cord, soft rope, small bags for carrying food or other 
small articles, and sweater pads for pack saddles. Owing to the fleshy 
character of the leaves the extraction of the fiber is difficult and expen- 
sive, so that the fiber is not of commercial importance. With suitable 
machinery, however, it ought to be worked profitably. Its fiber is 12 
dm. (4 feet) or more long, nearly white, and very soft. 

Unfortunately Mr. Nelson collected no botanical specimens, and the 
identification of the species is largely guesswork. It is customary to 
refer all the large fleshy-leaved pulque magueys to Agave atrorirens, 
while in fact several very distinct forms are readily recognized in the 
field. The commonest of these agaves in western Mexico — and I have 
also seen specimens of the same from San Luis Potosi and Saltillo — does 
not answer to the description of A. atrovirens. I have tentatively called 
it A, cochlearis, as it answers to this species better than any other which 
Mr. J. G. Baker recognizes in his monograph of this genus. 

Agave falcata Eugelm. Guapilla. 

Mr. Nelson states that the leaves are put into boiling water to wilt 
them, which facilitates the cleaning out of the fiber. He also says that 
the fiber is fine and soft, but difficult to obtain and not of commercial 
importance. This is perhaps the same fiber referred to in the Kew 
Bulletin as coming from Tula, although the plant is called Agave striata, 
and the Mexican name is given as "palma loca." 

A. falcata may be the same as A. striata, although Mr. Baker keeps 
them distinct. I have carefully comi^ared these leaves with garden 
specimens and really find no grounds for separation. Still, living 
specimens of both should be studied before the question of specific 
identity is determined. In any case this agave from north Mexico is 
the A. falcata described by Engelmann. It is very common in north 
Mexico. Herbarium specimens were collected by Mr. E. W. Nelson in 
Jaumave Valley, June 1, 1898 (No. 4457), and in the Sierra Encarnacione, 
Coahuila, July 28, 1896 (No. 3891). Fiber and leaves were also sent 
from Matehuala. The latter are more than 9 dm. (1 yard) long. 
Agave geminiflora Ker-Gawl. 

The Cora Indians in the mountains of the Territorio de Tepic obtain 
a very soft fiber from one of their local plants, which is probably Agave 
geminiflora. 

Herbarium specimens and samples said to be its fiber were brought 
back. 



246 

Agave vivipara L. Tapemete. 

The most common agave seen in western Mexico was A. vivipara. 
This species is restricted to the tropics, being found from near sea level 
up to about 3,000 feet altitude. It was seen as far north as Guaymas, 
and extends at least as far south as Acapulco. It does not grow in 
the United States, as is sometimes stated. It was seen on the sides of 
all the tropical valleys Avhich I crossed in Territorio de Tepic, Zacate- 
cas, and Jalisco, and may be found as far south as the City of Mexico. 
This species yields considerable fiber, at least for local consumption. 
The libers are about 2 feet long, of medium weight and good strength. 
I saw it used only in making a coarse thread or twine for knitting the 
rude hand bags so generally carried by the country people. Strings 
are also made by cutting oft narrow strips from the leaves, as one would 
from rawhide. The plant is known as "tapemete." In this species the 
leaves are 7 to 9 dm. (28 to 36 inches) long, about 3.5 ciu. (1^ inches) 
broad, and more or less glaucous, and the margins have small brown 
prickles. (For fiber, see PI. LII.) 

Its alliances seem to be with the Rigidae group. It does not closely 
resemble Agave virginica (Manfreda), as is stated in some reference 
books. 

Numerous herbarium specimens, and specimens of fiber and fiber 
products of this species, were brought back. 
Agave sp. Huila. 

In the little town of Bolaiios, State of Jalisco, the natives extract 
considerable fiber from one of their cultivated agaves, which they call 
"huila." It yields a very coarse, harsh fiber, used mostly for making 
heavy ropes. This species has not been determined definitely. It 
appears to be the one so much employed in the manufacture of mescal. 

Good herbarium specimens and specimens of fiber were obtained. 

Agave sp. 

In southeastern Sinaloa an agave grows on the sides of the highest 
mountains (altitude about 3,000 feet) which is said to be used by the 
people of that region for its fiber. I did not see any of it, however, in 
use, and so was not able to confirm the statement. But it is certainly 
true that the plant has a good, strong fiber. This species appears to be 
new to science. It produces about 20 leaves, which are 6 to 8 dm. (24 
to 32 inches) long and 7.5 to 8.5 cm. (3 to 3g inches) broad at the widest 
part, with the margin closely serrate and the apex tapering into a long, 
weak spine. 

Good herbarium and living specimens of this species were brought 
back to Washington. 

Agave spp. 

In the Sierra Madre the people obtain most of their fiber from two 
or three closely related species. These species are of the A. Jilifera 
type, having linear leaves and a pungent tip, while the margin frays 
off into white threads. One of these species is the recently described 



247 

A. vestita, while two of tlie others appear to be undescribed. Tliey all 
yield a strong fiber which is made into ropes. 

Herbarium specimens, leaves, fiber, and living specimens were 
obtained of these species. 

The following agaves collected by the writer are reported to furnish 
fiber. As some of them have not been determined specifically, the col- 
lection number and also the locality are given, with the hope that it 
may lead some one to procure more material. 



Name. 




Locality. 



Agave sp. nov 

Agave lechuijuilla Torr 

Agave rigida elongata Baker 

Agave sp 

Agave americana L 

Agave geminiflora Ker-Gawl 

Agave vestita Watson 

Agave vivvpara (?) L 

Agave sp. (?) 

Agave sp 



Southeast Sinaloa. 
Chihuahua, neaz- El Paso. 
La Paz, Lower California. 
Bolanos, etc. 
Mountains of Tepic, etc. 
In Sinaloa, Tepic, etc. 
Zacatecas, etc. 
In Sinaloa, etc. 
Sierra Madre. 
Do. 



The following species are those recently sent in by Dr. Palmer and 
Mr. Nelson : 



Name. 



Collector. 



Locality. 



Agave falcata Eugelm 

Agave univittata Haw 

Agave lophantha Schiede . . . 

Agave cochlearis Jacobi 

Agave heteracantha ( ?) Zucc 
Agave heteracantha ( ?) Zucc 



Mr. Nelson 

do 

do 

do 

Dr. Palmer. 
do 



Tamaulipas, etc. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 
Saltillo. 
San Luis Potosi. 



When the Descriptive Catalogue of Useful Fiber Plants of the World 
was published by the Department of Agriculture in 1897, only ten spe- 
cies were sufficiently well known to be described. These are given 
below. Only three of them are identical with i^lauts in my list. 
Undoubtedly a score or more species are used locally in Mexico for 
their fiber. 



Agave americana. 
Agave aurea. 
Agave decipiens. 
Agave hctevacantha. 
Agave mexicana. 



Agave morrisii. 
Agave potatorum. 
Agave rigida elongata. 
Agave rigida sisalana. 
Agave vivipara. 



Although I saw no fibers in process of being extracted from the 
leaves, I saw plenty of the raw fiber and plants from which leaves had 
been cut for their fiber. Some of the methods used were extremely 
crude. For instance, in southeastern Sinaloa I was told that the leaves 
were first cooked and then allowed to stand in water for several days, 



248 

after which the pulpy part of the leaves is removed by rubbing them 
with a stick. On the table laud the end is accomplished by driving 
iron spikes 8 or 9 inches long into a block of wood and drawing the 
leaves over this instrument until all the connecting tissue is removed. 

At Bolahos still a different method is employed. The leaves are first 
trimmed of their marginal spines and then placed fiat on a board, 
which is about 8 inches wide and set at an angle of about 45 degrees, 
one end resting on the ground and the other about reaching to a man's 
waist. The leaf is then scraped with a rude knife, first from one end 
and then from the other. After a while the leaf is turned over and 
the same process repeated until all the connecting tissue is removed. 

Mr. Nelson describes the manner of taking the ixtle fiber at Mate- 
huala as follows : 

A short block of yucca wood is laid on the ground close to a tree and the pointed 
end of a long triangular blade of iron, with a wooden handle, is thrust into the 
base of the tree trnuk and held across the block of yucca wood. The workman 
then strips the edges from the agave leaves to rid them of the bordering spines and, 
holding the butt in the right hand, lays tlie leaf on the wooden block and, pressing 
down the iron, draws the leaf through, thus scraping out most of the pulpy matter. 
Then a small wooden grasper with a knob at one end has the free ends of the fiber 
wrapped about it in a '"half hitch," and by grasping this the workman can draw 
the leaf under the iron in a reverse direction, thus cleaning the leaf in two motions. 
The fiber is laid at full length on the ground and the process repeated until the sup- 
ply of leaves is exhausted. Men clean from 10 to 15 pounds of fiber a day, for which 
they receive 2 cents a pound at Miqitihuana and 2^ cents at Jaumave. 

The scraper, called "tallador," referred to above has a wooden han- 
dle 12.5 cm. (5 inches) long and a triangular blade 22.5 cm. (9 inches) 
long, with a hooked point which can be thrust into the trunk of a tree. 
The block, generally of yucca wood, used as a base on which the leaves 
are cleaned with the tallador, is about 5 dm. (20 inches) by 6 cm. (2^ 
inches) by 5 cm. (2 inches). This block of wood is made firm by means 
of small pegs driven into the ground on each side. When the cleaning 
is done in the open a peculiar peg, with a special notch for the point of 
the tallador, is driven into the ground near the block of wood. The 
grasper used for seizing the end of the half-cleaned fiber is of wood, 
about 10 cm. (4 inches) long and somewhat larger at one end. At the 
smaller end there is a knob, which prevents the fiber from slipping off 
the grasper. 

EXPLANATION OF PLATES. 

Plate XLVII.— Cogollo (central leavea) of a lechuguilla plant ; flg. 2, rootstock, used for soap ; fig. 
3, burro, used to break off the cogollo ; flg. 4, old lechuguilla plant. 

Plate XLVIII.— Fig. 1, estoca banco, consisting of a block of yucca wood; fig. 2, tallador; fig. 3, 
boliyo. 

Plate XLIX.— Fig. 1, boliyo ; flg. 2, tallador; flg. 3, retranca; flg. 4, banco del ide; flg. 5, estoca 
banco. 

The following list represents the specimens of fibers and fiber prod- 
ucts which I brought back from Mexico. They are deposited in the 
Ethnobotanic collection of the National Museum and in the National 
Herbarium. 



Contr Nat. Herb , Vo.. V. 



Plate XLVII 




Lechuguilla Plant with Burro. 



Contr Nat Herb., Vol. V. 



Plate XLVII 




Contr. Nat Herb., Vol. V. 



Plate XLIX. 




Instruments used in extracting Ixtle Fiber. 



249 

EB No. 6. The leaves of what appears to be an undescribed species of at^ave of the 
J. filifera type, used by the Cora Indians at Santa Teresa, Topic. 

EB No. 7. The clean fiber ready for spinning into ropes. 

EB No. 8. A rope made out of this fiber. 

EB No. 10. A narrow strip from the leaf of A(/ave vivipara used in the place of strings 
in tying up packages of sugar. 

EB No. 11. Leaves of Agave (jeminijiora, from which the Cora Indians obtain a fine 
fiber which is spun into hand bags. 

EB No. 12. Said to be the fiber obtained from leaves of this 8i>ecies. 

EB No. 13. A hand bag njade from this fiber. 

Herb. No. 2755. The leaf of Ariare vlvijyara. 

EB No. 14. The cleaned fiber from this species. 

EB No. 15. The mixed fiber of the same ready for spinning into thread. 

EB No. 16. A coarse thread or twine made from this mixed fiber. 

EB No. 19. A partly finished hand bag knit out of this thread. 

EB No. 45. A marginal strip from the "huila" agave, sometimes called "bastard 
tequila," from which a coarse fiber is taken 

EB No. 46. The partially cleaned fiber. 

EB No. 47. The same, but cleaner. 

EB No. 48. The same mixed, ready to spin into rojies. 

EB No. 35. A fine, soft agave fiber used at Colotlan for thread in hat making. The 
fiber is very clean and white. I did not learn definitely the species from which 
it was obtained, but was told that it was from one of the large species in culti- 
vation in the town, therefore probably from either Agave americana or A. cochlearis. 

EB No. 36. A rude thread used for sewing hat braids together and made from the 
last-mentioned fiber. The thread is made out of a few fibers which are twisted 
by hand. 

EB No. 60. A dishcloth composed simply of a bunch of agave fibers (PI. L, fig. 2). 
Obtained at Bolafios. It seems to be common to use the plain fiber in this man- 
ner for cleaning and washing. I found in my room at one of the larger hotels 
of Guadalajara a bunch of this fiber in place of a wash rag. 

EB No. 130. A bunch of small twine bought at Guadalajara. In this city there is a 
whole block of stores which are given up almost entirely to the sale of these 
fiber products. In the smaller towns there is usually one or two stores where 
such things are for sale, or certain parts of the open market which is usually 
about the plaza are given up to them. 

EB Nos. 51, 79. Rude scouring brushes which are seen in all parts of western 
Mexico. They are made from the bases of the leaves of Agave vivipara. They 
are 15 to 18 cm. (6 to 7 inches) long. The broad, clasping base, which is 5 to 6 
«m (3 to 4 inches) wide, forms the brush proper, and the contracted blade above 
forms the handle. None of the connecting tissue is removed, but it gradually 
wears away, leaving the naked stift^" fibers (PI. LVII, figs. 6, 7). These brushes 
are seen in all the small markets of western Mexico, and are even found in the 
great market house in the city of Guadalajara. 

EB No. 5. A spinner or twister used by the Cora Indians in making ropes of agave 
fiber. 
This was the commonest spinner I saw, and is composed of 2 pieces of wood 

(PI. LI). Of these one is flattened and somewhat wedge-shaped, about 3 dm. (1 foot) 

long, and considerably heavier at one end than the other. At its smaller and lighter 

end is a notch, and just below this notch is a small hole. The second piece consists 

of a round stick about 3 dm. (1 foot) long, which is small enough to work freely in 

the hole of the first piece. At one end is a small knob which prevents the heavier 

piece from coming ofl:'. 
In making thread or twine two persons are employed. One of them sits with the 

mixed fiber in his lap or at his side, while the one who does the twisting stands. 

Some of the fiber is fastened about the notch of the first piece described, which is 
22114 8 



250 

then rapidly revolved about the second piece as an axis. The persou who is doing 
the spinning retreats as the thread lengthens until the reciuired length is reached. 

In making ropes the process thus far is the same. This thread is now doubled and 
the twisting is continued and then again doubled until a rope of the proper size is 
obtained. Sometimes both persons use instruments, twisting, of course, in opposite 
directions. These spinners are made of various materials, such as bamboo, oak, etc. 

Another instrument of this kind was composed of a stick about 3 dm. (1 foot) long, 
with a notch near one end, as in the above. Below the middle was a small wheel 2 
dm. (8 inches) in diameter which had a toothed margin. This stick is made to 
revolve rapidly by striking the wheel, which is made fast to the axis, with a rude 
bow strung with rawhide. 

EB No. 17. An instrument used in making a coarse thread from agave which I 
secured at the hacienda of San .Juan Capistrano, in western Zacatecas. 

This was a combined spinner and reel (PI. LII, fig. 3). It was obtained of a 
Huichole Indian, although similar ones are used by the Mexicans themselves. This 
instrument has the advantage over the one described above of permitting one per- 
sou to feed and spin the thread .at the same time and for an indefinite period, for as 
soon as the thread becomes too long to handle it is wound about the reel. The 
instrument is used in making a coarse thread or string employed in making the hand 
bags so much carried in Mexico. 

The instrument is composed of two ujiright strips of a bamboo stem 22 and 25 cm. 
(9 and 10 inches) long, respectively. These are joined together by two small strips 10 
cm. (4 inches) long about one-fourth the distance from each end, and there fastened by 
small strings. This forms the reel proper. To make a spinner of this a notch is cut 
near the end of the longer upright piece and a small stick about 12 inches long is 
used as the axis of the spinner, which is put through the two upright pieces about 
one-third of the distance from the top. One end of this stick is tightly wrapped 
with a small string made of agave fiber, and a small leather washer is placed 
between this and the reel. To make the thread, a portion of the mixed fiber is 
fastened about the notch of the reel, which is then revolved rapidly with one hand 
and the fiber fed with the other. The reel I obtained was in vise, and the thread and 
all the mixed fiber in the process of spinning was purchased with it. 

The fiber here used is from one of the most widely distributed agaves in western 
Mexico. It is called "tapemete," and is probably Agave nvipara.^ The cleaned fiber 
is about 6 dm. (two feet) long, and, although coarse, is pliable and strong. For mak- 
ino- the pocket bags a coarse double thread is used. The needle is made of a small 
piece of bamboo about 12 cm. (5 inches) long. 

EXPLANATION OF PLATES. 

Plate L. Fig. 1, a bag made from .agave fiber; fig. 2, a bunch of agave fiber nsed as a ■wash rag. 

I'LATK LIT. Fig. 1, a bunch of Agave vivipara fiber; fig. 2, the same being worliod into a small 

bag, together with bamboo noidh- ; fig. 3, a spinner and reel used with this fiber. 

MALVACEAE. 
Ceiba spp. 

Tree cotton, a fiber obtained from the seed pods of several species of 
Ceiba, is gathered by the Mexicans along the west coast and used for 
stuffing pillows, etc. At the little village of Concepcion, Sinaloa, I 
saw two large trees of Ceiba casearia Medic, one being about 27 dm. 
(6| feet) in diameter and evidently a very old tree. This species is 
supposed to have been introduced into Mexico. A native species, C. 
grandifiora Rose, more common and widely distributed, is said to fur- 
nish cotton which is used like that from the above species. (EB IlTo. 1, 
tree-cotton fiber from Ceiba casearia Medic.) 



' See above, p. 246. 



Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. V. 



Plate L. 




Articles made from Ixtle Fiber. 



Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. V 



Plate LI. 




A Fiber Twister. 



Contr. Nat. Herb , Vol. V. 



Plate Lll 




Contr Nat. Herb , Vol. V. 



Plate LIII. 




Cotton Fiber and Implements. 



251 

Gossypiiim barbadense L. 

This is a large, bushy shrub, 24 to 30 dm. (8 to 12 feet) high. It is 
grown ill many parts of Mexico and is seen in yards and gardens. I 
saw shrubs at Guaymas, in the Sierra Madre, at Bolaiios, etc. My 
specimens came from Bolaiios, September, 1897 (Herb. Ko. 3697). 

Mr. Hemsley, in the Biologia Centrali-Americana, states that in 
Mexico the si)ecies is '^ cultivated and wild, probably indigenous in 
America." In the National Herbarium we have only three other 
species, and these all cultivated. They are the following: 

Palmer's No. 10, from the State of Jalisco. 

Palmer's No. 116, from the State of Coahuila. 

Charles K. Dodge's No. 70, from near Monterey. 

At Bolanos and other ])laces the uncleaned cotton is gathered and 
sold in the little stores. The women buy this, clean out the seeds, and 
si)in it into thread. 

For this i)urpose they use a rude spinner (PI. LIII), consisting of an 
upright shaft or spindle 2.5 dm. (10 inches) long and less than 6 mm. 
(^ inch) in diameter, somewhat tapering toward the top. This spindle 
is usually made from an old Indian arrow, and my specimen appears 
to be of Brazil wood. Near the bottom of the spindle is a circular 
disk or whorl 3.8 cm. (li inches) in diameter, made of some heavy wood 
(in my specimen said to beironwood), somewhat rounded below. 

The thread is made in this manner: An ordinary clay bowl 12.5 cm. 
(5 inches) in diameter is held in the lap. The thread is begun by fast- 
ening a piece of the cotton to the middle of the spindle. The spindle 
is then revolved rapidly in the bowl with the right hand, while the 
cotton is "fed" or supplied with the left hand. As the thread lengthens 
it is wound around the spindle and the work of spinning continued. 
The women become very expert in spinning and it is very interesting 
to watch them. 

Specimens were obtained as follows: 

EB No. 54. Albowl in which the spinner is twirled. 

EB No. 55. The cotton spinner called "trompa." 

EB No. 56. The thread and raw cotton. 

EB No. 57. The cotton with seeds as sold in the stores. 

EB No. 58. The cotton bolls. 

Herb. No. 3697. The cotton plant. 

Explanation of Plate LIII.— Fig. 1, cotton spinner with thread attached ; fig. 2, clean cotton ; fig. 
3, bowl for holding the twister ; fig. 4, cotton bolls ; figs. 5, 6, parts of Huichole arrows used in repair- 
ing the cotton spinner. 

CUCURBITACEAE. 

Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem. EsTRorA.JOS. 

The vegetable sponge was seen only in cultivation, where it grows as 
a tall vine. The fruit is about 3 dm. (12 inches) long, and the bright 
yellow flowers are nearly 10 cm. (4 inches) wide. 

The plant is sometimes cultivated for the sponge-like tissue of the 



252 

fruit, whicli is left ready for use as a spouge by the uatural brej 
away of tlie epidermis. 

The following material illustrates this plant : 

Herb. No. 1G82, flowers, leaves, etc. (EB No. 82, the mature , 
showing the interior fiber beneath the broken epidermis.) 

BRUSH AND BROOM PLANTS. 

Many curious brushes and brooms are met with. In the accom |>aii 
ing illustrations some of these are shown. Those made of agave 1; ;.vt- 
and fiber (PI. LYI), used for the hair and for scouring and whitewash 
ing, are spoken of on pages 248, 249. Fly brushes are made fron 1 
leaves (PI. LIV, fig. 1), one of which I obtained as a specimen. E : 
are also made of i)alm leaves, being supplied with bamboo handles. 
Other brooms are made out of the stems of various grasses, such as 
species of Stipa and Muhlenhergia (PI. LIV, fig. 2). These stems 
9 to 10 dm. (36 to 40 inches) long, and are tied together with strips , 
yucca leaves (PI. XXXVIII) called "isote." 

EXPLANATION OF PLATES. 

Plate LIV. — Fig. 1, a fly brush made from the leaves of an undeacribed Sabal which is very com- 
mon on the west coast ; fig. 2, a broom made from the stems of a grass, probably a Stipa. 

Plate LYI. — Figs. 1 to 5, several types of hairbrushes made from various agave leaves; figs. 6. 
7, scouring brushes made from Agave vivijiara: fig. 8, a palm leaf {Sabal sp.) brush ; fig. 9, a whisk of 
grass roots (Epicampes sp.). 

GRAMII^^EAE. 
Epicampes macroura Benth. 

"Raiz" (meaning '^root") is largely exported from Mexico, as well as 
extensively consumed at home. It is usually exported into the United 
States as "broom root;" it is also sometimes called Mexican broom 
root, Mexican whisk, and sometimes erroneously " rice roots." These 
roots are from grasses, chiefly Epicampes macroura, sometimes called 
Crypsinna stricta. This is a native of the high mountains of Mexico, 
reaching an altitude of 3,908 meters (12,500 feet). It is largely dug in 
the States of Mexico, Michoacan, Queretaro, and Puebla. The roots, 
in Mexico, are chiefly used for making a rnde brush or broom much 
esteemed and found for sale in all the large markets. I bought one 
of these in Guadalajara, which is about 15 cm. (6 inches) long and 
5 cm. (2 inches) in diameter. 

This material has been largely imported into this country, both in a 
raw state, then duty free, and in a partially manufactured state, sub- 
ject to duty. In the latter condition it appears, under the name of 
rice root, in the Treasury report of 1878, and thence onward with inter- 
vals to 1891 ; but the amount is lumped with that of broom corn. As 
raw material it appears in 1884 and continues with intervals to the 
present date, as shown by the table below, assuming the name of 
"broom root" in 1893. The importation, which exceeded a value of 
$125,000 in 1886, appears to have fallen to • '^ i" the period 

from 1888 to 1893. Since then the average . ; -\.'..-7^ .u,.^ >'?'! 



Contr, Nat. Herb., Vol. V. 



Plate LIV. 




Brushes of Palm Leaf and Grass. 



Contr Nat Herb., Vol. V. 



Plate LV. 










'i0m^ 




Contr. Nat. Hefb . Vol. V. 



Plate LVI. 




Contr. Nat. Heib , Vol. V. 



Pl.ate LVII. 




253 

nearly $92,000, with a value per ton in 1897 of $199.78, and in 1898 of 
$162.84, the average value for six years being about $178. 

Importation from Mexico of unmanufactured broom root for eleven years.^ 



Tear. 


Amount. 


Tear. 


Amount. 


1884 


$397 

51, 017 

125, 029 

82, 834 

169 

101, 967 


1894 


$67, 648 


1885 


1895 


109, 872 


1886 


1896 


39, 884 


1887 


1897 


73, 419 
1'58, 499 


1890 


1898 


1893 









' Foreign Commerce and Navigation of the TJnited States for the respective years, 
mary occurs in volume 2 of 1896, p. 1157. 

MALVACEAE. 



A partial sum- 



Sida acuta carpinifolla (L. f.) Schum. 

Branches of a Sida tied together are commonly used all over the west 
coast as a rude broom for sweeping yards, walks, etc. One which I saw 
at Acaponeta was made of 12 to 20 stems 15 dm. (5 feet) long, bound 
together with strips of palm leaves. 

My botanical specimens (N"o. 3160) are comx)osed of these stems. 

CACTACEAE. 

On the west coast the Indians gather the fruits of Cereus pecten- 
ahoriginum, trim off the long yellow spines on one side, so that they 
may be grasped easily, and use them for hairbrushes (PI. LVII). The 
accompanying figure (fig. 32), furnished me by Mr. E. A. Goldman, 
shows one of the trees. Another is shown in Plate LVIII. Dr. 
Palmer tells me that he first observed these brushes in use among 
the Papagos Indians, but has since seen them in the houses of many 
Indians and poor Mexicans in Sonora and Sinaloa. 

FENCE AND HEDGE PLANTS. 

Although barbed wire fences are now becoming very common in 
western Mexico, there are hundreds of miles of the native fences and 
hedges still in use. 

EUPHORBIACEAE. 

Jatropha curcas L. 8angre gbado. 

This is one of the most common fence plants of the west coast. The 
fences are made similarly to the Cactus fences; but the branches are 
much smaller and must be tied together by some vine, the one com- 
monly used being the bejuco Colorado (Hippocratea sp.). These branches 
take root and produce a great mass of foliage. The leaves in size are 
out of all proportion to those grown on ordinary plants. One of them 
which I brought home measures 3.5 dm. (14 inches) broad on a petiole 
2.2 dm. (9 inches) long. 



254 



Jatropha platyphylla Muell. Sangre grado. 

This species, called by the same name as the preceding, is also used 
as a hedge plant. It has a large peltate leaf and an open inflores- 
cence. We have no specimens like it in the National Herbarium. 

CACTACEAE. 

Cereus pecten-aboriginum Engelm. 

The most interesting of the hedges to the botanical traveler are those 
made of the great cereus {Cereus pecten-ahoriginum) of western Mexico, 
which is perhaps the real giant of the cactus family (PLs. LVII, LYIII, 
and fig. 32). It often reaches 15 and 20 meters (45 to 60 feet) in height, 
and sends up a multitude of long naked branches. The branches are 




tcn-dboriginum Engelm. 



cut off into lengths of 18 to 30 dm. (5 to 9 feet) and transplanted into 
rows closely set together, forming an almost impenetrable break against 
all kinds of stock. These branches finally take root and grow slowly, 
rarely sending oft' short side branches, and ultimately flowering and 
fruiting near the tops. The large fruits are covered with long yellow 
bristles set close against the trunk, and furnish rich granaries stored 
with many seeds for the birds. 

Dr. Palmer tells me that Cereus thurheri of northern Mexico is also 
used for fences 

they call " organos " (Pis. LIX, LX), is so used 
natus DC. ( %) 
Opuntia spp. 

Several siiecies of Opuntia are grown for boundary hedges 



In central Mexico another of the columnar cacti, which 



This is Cereus margi- 



Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. V. 



Plate LVIII. 




CEREUS PECTEN-ABORIGINUM Engelr 



Contr Nat. Herb., Vol. V. 



Plate LIX. 




i. 



' \ 



.f ] 



?^.i. 



Contr. Nat, Herb., Vol. V. 



Plate LX. 




255 

OTHER FAMILIES. 

Agave spp. 

The large pulque agaves are plauted in close rows, and form very 
effectual hedges. 
Bromelia spp. 

Bromelia pinguin (?) and perhaps other species are used for hedges, 
especially as boundary lines between estates. 
Erythrina spp. 

Several species of Erythrina, such as U. lanata and E. Jlahelli/ormis, 
are in common use for hedge fences. 
Fouquieria spinosa H. B. K. 

Fouqnieria spinosa, so common about Cxuaymas, is sometimes used as 
a hedge plant. 
Verbesina pinnatifida Cav. 

Verbesina pinnatifida, which often grows to the lieight of 3 to 4 
meters (9 to 12 feet), is a common fence plant, either grown alone or in 
connection with Jatropha curcas. 

PLANTS YIELDING WOOD. 

Neowashingtonia sonorae (Wats.) Rose.' 

At Guaymas a few trees remain of the rare N'eowashingtonia sonorae, 
but most of them have been cut out aud used as rafters for houses. It 
is said to be a very durable wood. A considerable number of these 
trees are still to be seen at La Paz, Lower California. 
Salix sji. 

In the markets at Colotlan rude shoe lasts, said to be made of willow, 
were for sale. (EB No. 23.) 
Guaiacum coulteri A. Gray. Guayacan. 

Guayacan is one of the commonest and most useful woods about 
Guayamas. It is extremely hard and makes a fine firewood, yielding a 
great amount of heat. When burnt it gives off a strong, disagreeable, 
resinous odor which prevents its use as a house wood. It is much used 
on the Sonoran Railroad as a firewood for engines. It is used in many 
ways, esj)ecially where great strength is required, as in the making of 
cogwheels, etc. According to Dr. Palmer it has certain medicinal 
properties. 
Hippocratea sp. I5e,tuco Colorado. 

The bejuco Colorado is a very useful vine employed all along the west 
coast in the place of ropes, nails, etc. When green it is very pliable 
and can readily be tied into all kinds of knots, but when dry it becomes 
fixed and strong (PI. LXI, fig. 1). It is employed in fastening together 
the framework of huts or in tying down the roofs. In fence building 
it is employed to bind the various upright jjieces together. It also 
takes the place of the ordinary rope clothesline. One of these clothes- 
lines which I measured was 18 meters (GO feet) long and showed little 



WasJiingtonia sonorae Wats. Proc. Am. Acad. 24:79. 188tt. 



256 

or no variation in diameter throughout its length. This plant grows 
in the foothills of the Sierra Madre, where the peoj)le from the coast 
go to obtain it when needed in their simple industries. Here it was I 
found the plant and collected botanical specimens of it, discovering to 
my surprise that it is new to science. 
Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. Guayacan. 

In the collection is a ladle said to be made from " guayacan," a name 
also applied to the wood of Ouazuma ulmifolia (PI. LXI). This wood 
is much employed in making small articles of everyday use. This 
ladle has a round bowl 9 cm. (3^ inches) in diameter and 2.5 cm. (1 inch) 
deep at the lowest point, and a handle nearly 4 dm. (16 inches) long. 
It is typical of the ladles which in many of the interior parts take the 
place of ordinary spoons or any other similar table utensil. Knives 
and forks are never seen outside of cities and towns. 

Chocolate sticks made from Madroiio wood {Arbutus sp.) are very 
common. (EB No. 69. Ladle said to be made from "guayacan," the 
wood of Guazuma ulmifolia.) 

Explanation of Plate LXI. — Fig. 1, wooden ladle; fig. 2, chocolate stick; tiji. 3, bejuco Colorado. 
Raudia sp. Puro cecillia. 

Shoe pegs as used at Acaponeta are made from the wood of a species 
of Eandia; this is a small bush. (EB jSTo. 4, pegs bought at Aca- 
poneta.) 

MISCELLANEOUS USEFUL PLANTS. 

Bessera fistulosa (Herbert) Pritz. Arete. 

The liliaceous genus Bessera, though usually considered monotypic, 
may really be composed of several species. One of these, probably 
B. fistulosa, is very common on the foothills on the west coast, reaching 
up to 2,500 feet altitude. It has very pretty red flowers and is quite a 
favorite with the country people, who often use it to decorate the altars 
in their churches, etc. Their earrings are sometimes patterned after it. 

Other wild flowers are gathered to cover arches which are placed 
over the doorways of the churches. Among plants so used which 
I recognized are Zinnia linearis and Tagetes lucida. The churches 
of the Cora Indians are the most gloomy houses one can imagine. 
They are usually made of rude stones, with a filling of mud, and are 
without windows. The roofs are thatched with mountain grass (-E/pt- 
campes sp.) laid uiion bamboo stems. This roof often extends forward 
several feet over the front entrance. Here are found several church 
bells which are hung by means of vines (probably Hippocratea sp.) 
The bells have no clapper, and are reached by a ladder and then rung 
by being struck with a stone or some other solid object. 

Even the Spanish bull fight has some botanical interest. The wreath 
with which the victor is decorated is made of branches of trees with 
bright, shining leaves. I obtained specimens from one at Guaymas, 
which was made of leaves from an undetermined tree. 



'Contr. Nat, Herb., Vol. V. 



Plate LXI. 




257 

The note may be thrown in here that althongh more of the names of 
Mexican towns liave a religious derivation than any other, yet a great 
many towns and hamlets, especially of the smaller ones, are named for 
plants. Among the first class one finds such names as Jesus Maria, 
Pedro Paulo, Concepcion, and hundreds of names with the prefixes 
<^San" and "Santa." The following places named for plants were along 
my route: "Colomas," named for a little Arum-like plant of the neigh- 
borhood; "Tamarindo," named for Tamarindus indiea, a widely intro- 
duced and highly prized tree; "Aguacote," named for the well-known 
fruit of the same name, Persea gratisslma; "Palmareta," named for a 
small palm (Sabal) of that region; "Mesquitic," liamed for a Prosopis. 
Other such names for towns of this region are "Ranches" {Byrsonima 
crassifolia), "Ocote" (Pinus), and San Francisco Mesquital. 
Acacia spadicigera Cham. «fc Schlecht. 

Among the decorations used by the Cora Indians to ornament their 
quivers are the large thorns of Acacia spadicigera. 

These thorns are cut into lengths of 2.5 cm. (1 inch) or more and fast- 
ened by means of agave strings into great clusters of 50 or so. My 
specimen (EB No. 73) came from one of these clusters. 
Hura crepitans L. Haba. 

This is a large tree belonging to the order Eui^horbiaceae. The Mexi- 
cans use its saj) to poison or stun fish so that they may be more easily 
caught. A series of Vs, one above the other, are cut with a machete on 
the side of a tree. The sap oozes out from the wounds, runs down to the 
ajiex of the V and joins with the contents of the one below, and so on 
through the series, the entire contents being caught in an earthen ves- 
sel i)laced at the base of the tree. One rarely sees a tree without 
these V-shaped scars. 

South American Indians also use the sap of this for killing fish. 

This tree is known under a great many names, amoug which are the 
the following: In the Republic of Colombia, 'Taguapan," "acupa," 
and "hibillo;" in Guiana, "soliman;" among certain South American 
Indians, "sablier;" in Panama, "javilla;" in Guatemala, "tetereta;" at 
San Ignacio, "pepita" and "habilla." It is also called "monkey's din- 
ner bell" and the "sandbox tree." In the State of Sinaloa, on the west 
coast of Mexico, where I saw the tree, it is called "haba" or "hava," 
and in other places in Mexico "quahtlatlatziu." Here it is planted 
along the roadsides, often in long rows beside the fences. Occasionally 
trees were seen in out-of-the-way canyons, appearing as if native; but 
this part of Mexico has so long been inhabited that seeds may readily 
have been carried from cultivated trees of the neighboring region. 
Cactaceae. 

Considerable has been written of a more or less fanciful character 
regarding plant worship among the Mexican Indians. While I obtained 
no special information along this line, I succeeded in obtaining speci- 
mens which have enabled me to identify accurately some of the plants 



258 

reported to be used for this i^urpose. Lumlioltz, the Mexican traveler, 
says that " all the small cacti are regarded with superstitious reverence 
by the Tarahumari [Indians]. They have different properties, the most 
pronounced of them being to drive oft' wizards, robbers, and Apaches, 
andto ward off diseases." They are generically called '^hikora," "hikora 
sunama" being Areocarpus Jissuratus, and "hikora wanami," Lopho- 
phora wilUamsii. In the high Sierra Madre in the Territorio de Tepic I 
collected specimens of one of these cacti which proves to be Maniillaria 
senilis (PI. LXII). It is a curious little Mamillaria covered with long 
white spines, whence the specific name. It has also been made the type 
of a new genus, Mamillopsis, by Dr. Weber, but as I have seen neither 
flower nor fruit I am not prepared to pass on its generic position. My 
specimen is growing in the Botanical Garden at Washington. This 
seems to be the "/i/'Aonr rosapara^'' of which Lumholtz writes: "Eosa- 
para is a white and spiny hikora dittering from the two already men- 
tioned. It must be touched with clean hands and only by people who 
are well baptized, for he is a good Christian, say the Christian Tara- 
humaris, and keeps a sharj) eye upon the people around him." 

Mr. E. W. Nelson visited the Sierra Madre again in 1898, where he 
collected sj)ecimeus and furnished me with the following interesting 
note : 

The small liook-spiued cactus grows on the rocks in the pine forest of the Sierra 
Madre of northern Durango and southern Chihuahua. It was found at between G,500 
and 9,000 feet altitude. This is one of the sacred plants of the Tarahumari Indians, 
and I was informed that the Indians who have had little intercourse with the Mexi- 
cans can not be induced to touch one of them. The specimens I secured were gath- 
ered by a Tarahumari man living on the ranch where I stopped. When I told the 
Indian to gather the plants from the top of a great rock he hesitated and only did it 
when I insisted upon his compliance. In pulling the specimen loose he tore out 
another plant and before descending he raised the fallen plant and replacing its roots 
in position packed the soil very carefully about it. This little incident illustrates 
the respect in which these people hold this plant. 
Nicotiana rustica L. Tabaco de macuchi. 

The tobacco used by the Cora Indians is obtained from Nicotiana 
rustica., which they call "tabaco de macuchi." It is grown in the hot 
river valley near the little Indian hamlet of San Blascito, Tepic. 
Crescentia alata H. B. K. Tecomate. 

This is one of the most interesting trees which was seen on the 
west coast of Mexico. It is peculiar in fruit, flower, foliage, and habit. 
While the genus belongs to the Bignoniaceae, the hard, indehiscent, 
gourd-like fruit and the wingless seeds are opposed to our usual ideas 
of this order. The large brownish flowers are borne on the old wood, 
often on the largest branches, frequently even low down on the main 
trunk itself, and thus the fruits look as if they were glued on the sides 
of the tree. The leaves have a broad, winged petiole, tipped with 3 
small leaflets. The branches are usually erect, long, and whip-like. 

The trees are very common along the coast, often occurring in small 
groves. 



Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. V. 



Plate LXII. 




Contr. Nat. Herb., Vol. V. 



Plate LXIIl. 




Vessels made from Crescentia Fruits. 



Conti. Nat Herb,. Vol, V 



Plate LXIV. 




Gourd used for a Water Vessel. 



259 

The fruit is used in many ways. Small drinking cups are made by 
cutting off its lower part (PI. LXIII). They are most commonly used 
as a kind of flask for holding mescal. This is made simply by boring 
a small hole through the base of the fruit the diameter of a lead pencil 
or a little larger The seeds and pulp are allowed to dry, but are not 
taken out. It is then filled with mescal, which they call "vino teco- 
mate." It has a somewhat sweetish taste. One is told that it is much 
used by miners for lung trouble, but from the quantity which is used 
and its effects one is inclined to believe that it is taken for other pur- 
poses. 

These cups and flasks, while sometimes plaiu, usually have more or 
less carving upon them, which add much to the expense. I saw one 
fruit, which was elaborately wrought, that was valued at $1.50. The 
carving is usually done before the outer shell becomes hard and dry. 

Seemann states that the fruit " contains a pulp of a sourish-bitter 
taste, which is boiled with sugar in its- native country, and taken 
against complaints of the chest." Watson, on the strength of Dr. Pal- 
mer's notes, says: "It is cultivated at Guaymas under the name of 
' azal,' for shade and for the medical properties of the fruit, which is 
tilled with water and the liquid afterwards taken as a remedy for con- 
tusions and internal bruises." 

Crescentia cujete, a closely related species, has much larger fruits and 
these are used in many ways in making dishes, cups, etc. 

Besides various botanical specimens of Crescentia alata, I obtained 
the following articles: EB No. 100, a drinking cup from Colomas made 
from a shell of a fruit. On one side has been cut the form of a scor- 
pion. (EB Nos. 100 and 107, mescal flasks.) 

Explanation of Plate LXIII. — Fig. l, drinking cup made from the fruit of Crescentia alata; figs. 
2, 3, mescal flasks made from the same. 

Lageiiaria sp. 

Besides the curious clay water jar, one may see many water vessels 
made out of gourds of various shapes and sizes. Almost every coun- 
tryman carries one of these on the horn of his saddle. The favorite 
one is about 4.5 dm. (IJ feet) long, with a constriction at the middle 
and the ends nearly equal. Other forms are also used (PI. LXIV). 
(EBNo.20.) 



INDEX. 



Page. 
Acaeia spadieigera Cham. & Schlecht., note 

onuses 257 

Acalypha phleoides (?) Cav., medicinal nse.. 229 

Acaponeta, notes 222, 223, 246, 253, 256 

palm nut on market 214 

specimens from vicinity. . . 229, 230, 235 

use of Sabal palm 240 

Acapulco, making of vegetable tallow 235 

use of oregano, or Lippia 226 

Achras sapota L., observations 222 

Acrocomia aclerocarpa Mart., use 214 

"Acupa," note 257 

Adiantum capillus-veneris L., observations 228 

Agave americana, drinks 224 

note on fiber 245 

atrovirens, notes 245 

hrachystachys, note on use for soap . . 233 

cochlearis ( ?) Jacobi, notes on fiber. . 245 

falcata 'Engelm., notesonfiber 245 

filler, crude methods of extracting. . 247 

filifera, note on fiber 246 

gcminijlora Ker-Gawl., note on fiber. 245 

guttata, note on use far soap 234 

heteraeantha, note 242 

observations on use for 

soap 233 

lechugmlla, note 242 

observations on use for 

soap making 233 

lophantha, notes 242 

note on collection of products 210 

poselgerii Salm, note 242 

rigida, note 239 

univitatta Haw., description 24? 

variegata Jacobi, observations on use 

for soap 233 

vettita, note on fiber 247 

virginica {Manfreda), note on fiber.. 246 

vivipara L., notes on fiber 246 

saponaria, note 233 

sp., observation onuses 223, 

233, 241, 242, 245, 246, 255 

Agaves, lists of fiber species 247 

Mexican, need of (botanical) work. 239 

"Aguadecebada,"note 225 

Aguacate, description and use 215 

salad, composition 226 

Aguardiente, distilled drink, note 224 

Ague, useof Loeselia, or esprnocilla, for relief 239 

»>« Tagetes or yerba nil 231 

Ahuacata chico, or grande, note 215 



Page. 

Ajonjoli, note on use for soap 236 

use in making drink 226 

Alligator pear, description, use, and names . 215 

Almendra, observations 221 

Almonds, Mexican, observations 221 

Aloe sp., use as medicine 223 

"Alote," note 218 

Altax,8eedoi Sisymbriumcaneseens (paniita) 225 

Altata, note on export of logwood 238 

occurrence of zapote 223 

Altea, medicinal use 230 

Amaryllidaceae, observations on fiber 242 

use for soap 233 

Amenorrbcea, medicinal plant for relief 228 

"Amole," note 231 

on name in distinction from 

"maguey" 233 

soap, note on use in United 

States 232 

"Amolilla," name of Prochnyantbes used 

for soap 234 

Anacardiaceae, observations 217 

Anoc/aAasfata Cav., medicinal use 230 

Anona cherimoUa MiU., observations 215 

glabra L., observations 215 

longiflora, note 315 

Anonaceae, medicinal use 228 

observations 215 

Apples and peaches on Mexican markets, 

notes 214 

Apricots, note 214 

ArbtUus 8p.,noto 256 

Areocarpus JUsuratus, notes on J1SB3 258 

Argithamnia 8p.,noto 227 

Arete, useof flowers 256 

Arrayan, growing ; description 221 

use of dried froit in making 

drink 225 

Asia, native place of Mexican almond, or 

almendra 222 

Attalea cohune Mart. ( f ), observations 232 

"Attole," note 218 

Avocado, or avocado pear, note 215 

Azafran, note 227 

"Azal,"note 259 

B. 

Baker, J. G., note 245 

Bananas, varieties and region of growing.. 214 

Barley flour, drink 225 

Beans, Mexican, suggestion of introduction 

into United States 210 

I 



II 



Beans, notes on forms, colors, and uses of 

varieties 212,213 

Beef,methods of preparation as food 226 

B^uco Colorado, note on use ■ 253 

de amole, observations on ase for 

soap 235 

huico, medicinal use 230 

Bessera flstulosa (Herbert) Pritz., notes on 

uses 256 

Beverage plants, discussion 223-226 

Bignoniaceae, medicinal use 231 

note 258 

Biologia Centrali-Americana, note 218 

Blackberries on Sierra Madre 214 

Bolafios, method with agave fiber 248 

notes 224,251 

specimens 226,231,234 

Botanic Garden at Washington, proposed 

collection of agaves 210 

Bowels, pain, use of Turnera, ordamiana, for 

relief 230 

Brandy (sotol), from maguey, note 224 

Brazil, observation on use for dyes 237 

wood, use of lime in making dye. . . . 241 

Bromelia spp., note on use for hedges 255 

observations 215 

use of fruit for making cooling 

drink 225 

Bromeliaceae, observations 215 

Broom and brush plants, discussion 252 

root, table on importation 253 

Bruises, internal, note on remedy 259 

Brush and broom plants, discussion 252,253 

Burscra microphylla, note on use in tan- 
ning 238 

Byrsonima crassi/oMa, notes 217,257 

C. 

Cacahuate, use for soap 235 

Cacahuianche, use for soap 235 

Cactaceae, notes on uses 220,253,254,257 

Cacti, reverence of Mexican Indians 258 

Gaesalpinia coriaria, note on use in tanning 238 

Calaleasilla, notes on use for soap 236 

Can a dulce, observations on use for soap. . . 235 

Cane sugar, source of distilled drink 224 

Capsicum annuum acuminatum ; annuum 
cerasiforme ; frute- 

«cens, notes 211 

grossum, description of 

fruit 211 

longum, description of 

fruit 211 

Garvm petrogelinum, Benth., note 226 

Carica papaya L.,note 214 

Oasim,iroa edulis La Llave, observations. . . 217 

Cascalote bean, note on use in tanning 238 

Cayaponia dubia (Hook. & Am.) Rose, 

notes on use for soap 236 

Castor oil bean, observations on use for soap 235 

Celantillo de ojo de agua, observations 228 

Cereals and vegetables, investigations... 210-214 

Cereus geom,etrizans Mart., observations. . . 220 

marginatus DO. (?), note 254 

pecten-aboriginum, notes 221, 253 

tetazo, notes 221 



Page. 

Oereus spp., observations 220 

variabilis,- pitahaya; thurberi; gigan- 

teus, notes 220 

Oeiba casearia Medic, note 250 

grandijtora Rose, note 250 

spp., observations on fiber 250 

Chenopodiaceae, medicinal use 228 

Chenopodium, incisum, (L.) Poir., observa- 
tions 228 

Chest and stomach, use of Piper, or hacb- 

ogue as remedy ; also for soap 234 

Chia, observations 225 

Chico, zapote, observations 222 

Chilacayote fruit, description and use 223 

Childbirth, use of Lantana, or sonorita 230 

"Chile ancho," description of fruit 211 

•'Chile cara," note 211 

"Chile," description and market 211 

"Chile pequin, " description 211 

Chili sauce, manner of making in Mexico. . 211 

Chirimoya, observations 215 

"Chicle" (gum), notes on duty, receipts, and 

source 222 

Chocolate sticks, note 256 

Cicer arietinum, note 213 

Ciruelas. (See Plums.) 

Ciruelo, use of dried fruit in making drink. 225 

Clothes line, use of bojueo Colorado 255 

Coahuila, siiecimeDa of Agave falcata 245 

Cocoanut, note 214 

Cocojul, observations 214 

Cocurstle or cocurste, observations 215 

Colds, use of laurel for relief 228 

Colic, medicinal plant for relief 228 

use of Manzanilla for relief 231 

Piper palmeri as remedy 234 

skunk ipazote for relief 228 

Colomas, cooking of chicken with nanche, 

rice, and olives 217 

medicinal plant for colic 228 

note on drinking cup 259 

occurrence of zapote 223 

specimena 225, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231 

use of Enterolobium or buinecas- 

tle for soap 235 

Colotlan, mannfactivre of hats 239 

materials used in tanning 238 

notes 228,255 

specimens 228,231 

Compositae, medicinal use 231 

Combretaceae, observations 221 

Contusions, note on remedy 259 

Coquito, observations on use for soap 2?2 

Cora Indians, " Santa Maria " and Tagetes, 

oryerba nil, note 231 

note on agaves 245 

Ooriandrum sativum L., observations 226 

Com cakes in Mexico, note 210 

Corpus, use for scorpion bite 228 

Oouepia polyandra (H. B. K.) Rose, observa- 
tions 215 

Cotton-seed oil, notes on use for soap 235 

Govillea tridentata (DC.) Vail, medicinal 

use 229 

Crataegus spp., observations 216 

Crate for fruit carrying 214 



m 



Orescentia alata H. B. K., notes on appear- 
ance and uses 258-259 

aujete, note on uses 259 

Orypsinna ttrieta, note 252 

Cuban name for Mexican plum, note 220 

"Cudrado," use of roots for food 213 

Cucurbitaceae, observations 223, 236, 251 

Cucurbila Jicifolia Boucli6, observations 223 

foetidissima H. B. K., observation 

on use for soap 236 

Cups and flaslis, wooden, note 259 

Cutaneous diseases, note on use of Piper or 

hachogue 234 

D. 

Damiana, medicinal use 230 

Danylinon spp., observations 224 

Date palm, note 214 

Datura tatula L., medicinal use 230 

Deafness, use of Piqueria, or tabardillo, for 

relief 231 

Dioscoreaceae, note on use for soap 230 

Diospyron ebenaster Eetz., observations 223 

Drinks, nonintoxicating, sources 224 

"Dulce," note 218 

E. 

Ebeiiaceae, observations 223 

El Paso, Tex., abundance of Agave lechu- 

guilla 242 

Entada polystachya DC, observation on use 

for soap 235 

Enierolobiurn, cyclocarpum Griseb., medi- 
cinal use 228 

note on use in 

tanning 238 

observations on 

use for soap.. 235 
Epicampesmacroura'Benth., observations on 

fiber 252 

sp. note on use 256 

Erythrina spp., note on use for hedge fences . 255 

Espinocilla, medicinal use 230 

Estropajos, notes on fiber 251 

Ethnobotauic collection (Mexico), list of 

fiber plants and fibers 248 

Euphorbiaceae, medicinal use 229 

observations 227, 235, 253 

F. 

Faba vulgaris, note 213 

Fence and hedge plants, discussion 253-255 

Fever and ague, use of Loeselia, or espino- 
cilla, for relief 230 

Tagetes or yerba nil 231 

Fevers, use of Sarwinskia, or margarita, for 

relief 229 

Fiber plants, discussion 239- 252 

of the world, descriptive cata- 

logue,note 247 

Figs, note 214 

Filices, observations 228 

Firewood, use of guayacan 255 

Fish, use of Hura crepitans, orhaba, in cap- 
ture 257 

Flasks and cups, notes on wood 259 



Page. 

Flavoring and seasoning plants, discussion 226 

Flor de venodillo, medicinal use 229 

Florida, occurrence of Mexican almond, or 

almendra 222 

Food plants of Mexico, principal 210 

use of Piper or hacbogue 234 

Fouquieria spinosa H. B. K., note on use as 

hedge plant 255 

Frijolapasteado; hortelano; bianco; notes. 212 

encrevado; bianco nallado; garvan- 

ode picachos; nuevo tpmpranillo; 

Mexicano; cando; guero; sequin; 

morado bola; mesquitillo; negro; 

lavareno ; notes 213 

notes on form and color 212 

Fruits, investigations 214-227 

G. 

GarambuUo, observations 220 

Garvancillo verde, note 213 

Garvanzo de picachos, note 213 

Gobernadora, medicinal use 229 

Goldman, E. A., mention 253 

Gossypiurn barbadense L., observations on 

fiber 251 

spp., notes on use for soap 235 

Gramineae, observations on fiber 252 

Guadalajara, marketing of "Jamaica" and 

of tamarinds 225 

specimens of Manfreda for 

soap 234 

use of Chia (Salvia) seed 225 

varieties of ancna 215 

vegetables on market 211 

Guatemala, occurrence of Mexican almond, 

or almendra 222 

"Guapilla," note as to name 243 

Guaiacutn coulteri A. Gray, note on use for 

wood 255 

Guayaba, observations 221 

Guayacan, notes 255, 256 

Guaymas, notes 214,217,225,232,246,255,259 

specimens of agave for soap 233 

Guazuma ulmifolia, notes 256 

Guavas, observations 221 

Guerrero Indians, note 240 

Gum, "chiqle," duty on imports 222 

H. 

Haba, notes on uses 257 

"Habilla," note 257 

Hacbogue, observations on use for soap and 

food 234 

Haematoxylon boreale Wats., observations 

on use for dye 237 

eampeachianum, note on use 

fordye 238 

Hats, manufacture from palm leaves 239 

Havard, Dr., statement as to agave leaves 

for soap 233 

Headaches, use of Pithecoctenium, or be- 

juco de Imico, for relief 231 

Hedge and fence plants, discussion 253-255 

Hemsley, Mr., listing of Mexican plums . . . 218 

note on Gossypiurn 251 

" Hibillo," note 257 



IV 



Hibiscus sabdariffa L., observations 225 

Hieracium sp., medicinal use 231 

Higuerilla, observations on use for soap . . . 235 

"Hiltora," note 258 

Hippocratea sp., notes 253, 255 

Horses and mules, use of Piper, or hachogue, 

for colic 234 

Horticulturist, probable success in improve- 
ment of Mexican plums 218 

Household utensils made of wood, note 256 

Huamuehil, observations 216 

Huichole Indians, gathering of Manfreda 

forsoap 234 

note on spinners 250 

Huila, notes 224,246 

Huinecastle bark, note on use in tanning. . . 238 

medicinal use 228 

observations on use for soap.. 235 

Hura crepitans L., notes on uses 257 

I. 

Indian villages of Sierra Madi-e 214 

Indians, note on knowledge of medicine... 227 

Indigestion, useof Lantana, or majorana .. 230 

Insect powder, use of Tagetes, or yerba nil. 231 
Institute Medico Nacional, offer of help in 

study of useful Mexican plants 210 

Irrigated oi-ange orchards, note 214 

Isote, notes on fiber 241 

Itch, Mexican remedies 228,229 

Ixtle fiber, export 244 

method of cleaning at Mate- 

hnala 248 

statement of Mr. Nelson 243 

Mexican terminology 244 

Ipazote del zorillo, use as medicine 228 

J. 

Jabo, Cuban name of plum, note 220 

Jalisco, notes 220,246 

table-lands, abundance of Zinnia, or 

yerba de torro 231 

"Jamaica," observations 224 

Jatropha cur cas Jj-tVaedicmal use 229 

notes on use for hedge 

fence 253 

platyphylla Muell., note on use for 

hedge 254 

spathulata oceidentalis, note on 

use for dye and tanning 238 

Jaumave, ixtle fiber 243 

Valley, agave 242 

specimens 243 

" Javilla," note 257 

K. 

Kartoinskia humboldtiana Zucc, medicinal 

use 229 

L. 
La Noria, specimens of Turnera, or dami- 

ana 230 

La Paz, observations on almendra 221 

specimens of medicinal aloe 228 

Labiatae, medicinal use 230 

Layenaria sp., notes on uses 259 



Page. 

"L'aguapan," note 257 

Lantana sp., medicinal use 230 

Lauraceae, medicinal use 228 

observations 215, 226 

Laurel as seasoning, observations 226 

use for flavoring 228 

Lechuguilla, medicinal use 231 

Leguminosae, medicinal use 228 

observations 216, 235, 237 

Lemons and oranges, note on growing in 

Mexico 214 

Lengua de cervo, use for cure of itch 228 

Leucaena sp., medicinal use 229 

Licania arborea Seem., observations on use 

for soap •. 235 

Liliaceae, observations 228,232 

Limes, note 214 

Lippia berlandieri Schauer, note 227 

palmeri spicata Ro.ie, note 227 

purpurea Jncq., note 227 

spp., observations 226 

Litsea glaucescens H. B. K. var., medicinal 

use 228 

Loetelia coccinea Don, medicinal use 230 

Logwood, notes on identity of plant 238 

Lophophora williamsii, note 257 

Lower California, note on use of Stegnos- 

perma for soap 234 

Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem., notes on fiber. . 251 
Lumholtz, Carl, statements aa to drinks 

made from maguey 224 

remarks regarding Mexi- 

canTndians 258 

Lung trouble, use of Crescentia alata, or 

tecomate 259 

Lysiloma Candida Brandegee, observations 

on use for tanning 238 

M. 

Madrofio wood, note 256 

Magnoliaceae, use as medicine 228 

Maguey, discussion of uses; suggestion of 

study 223,224 

lechuguilla, tapeinete, etc., obser- 
vations on fiber 242 

Majorana, medicinal use 230 

Malpighiaceae, observations 217 

Malvaceae, medicinal use 230 

notes on use for soap 235 

broom 253 

observations on fiber 250 

Mamillaria senilis, note 258 

Jlfan/reda spp., observations on use for soap. 233 

vitality of rootstocks 234 

Man ge, use of anona for relief 228 

Mango, note 214 

Manzanilla, note on soap plants 232 

use for colic and nervousness . . 231 

Manzanillo, note on pineapples 214 

Margarita, medicinal use 229 

Marrow, vegetable, note 215 

Marrubium vulgar e, medicinal use 230 

Matehuala, agaves ---- 242 

method with ixtle fiber 248 

Mats, notes on manufacture 240 

Mazatlan, notes 213,217,220,230 



Medical properties of Crescentia alata 259 

Medicinal plants, discussion 227-231 

Meliacea*, medicinal use 229 

Melon zapote or papaya, note 214 

Mescal, note on production from maguey.. 224 

plants (and pulque), proposed study 210 

use of Crescentia alata,OT tecomate. . 259 

Mesosphaerum suaveoletis, note 225 

Mexican almonds, observations 221 

Government, preparation of treat- 
ise (on Mexican plants) 209 

tunas, proposed introduction into 

subarid Southwest 210 

Mexico, National Museum, note 219 

Michoacan, note on broom plant 252 

Midshipman's butter, note 215 

"Mirasol, Chile," note 211 

"Monkey's dinner bell," note 257 

Monte Escobedo, vegetables on market 211 

Mules and hor8es,U8e of Pipei, or hachogue, 

for colic 234 

Museum, National, of Mexico, note 219 

Myrtaceae, observations 221 

Myrtus arayan, note 225 

observations 221 

N. 

Nanche, observations 217 

National Museum (U.S.), listof flberplanta 

and fibers 248 

of Mexico, note 219 

Nelson, E. W., collections 242,245 

notes 239, 243, 247, 248, 258 

Neowashingtonia sonorae (Wats.) Rose., note 

on use for wood 255 

Nervousness, use of nianzanilla 231 

New York, receipts of chicle gum 222 

Nicotiana rustica L., note on use 258 

Nuts, notes 214 

O. 

Oaks, note on use in tanning at Colima 238 

Oilsfor soap making, listof Mc^sican plants. 237 

Olives cooked with chicken, note 217 

Opuntia spp., note on use for hedges 254 

observations 220 

Oranges and lemons, growing 214 

Orchards, note 2i4 

plum, notes on planting and care. 218 

Oregano, observations 226 

Organ Mountains, supply of yucca for soap 

making 233 



P. 

Palm nut, markets ; description 214 

"Palmaloca," note as to name 243 

observations on fiber 241 

Palmaceae, note 214 

observations on use for fiber 239 

soap ... 232 

Palmer, Dr. E. , collection of specimens 225, 

234, 235, 239 

statements 221, 

226, 231, 247, 253, 254, 255 
Palo bianco, observations on use for tanning 238 



Pamita, observations 225 

Papa, observations 227 

Papagos Indians, brushes 253 

Papaya, note 214 

Patol, note 213 

Peaches and apples on Mexican markets. . . 214 

Pedaliaceae, notes on use for soap 236 

"Pe])ita," note 257 

Peppers, Mexican red, suggestion of intro- 
duction into United States 210 

red, use with cheese 226 

" Pequin," description 211 

Perijil,note 226 

Persea (^raWsMma Gaertn., observations . 215,257 
Phaseolus spp., notes on forms and colors 

and uses 212,213 

Phynalis spp. note 212 

Phytolaccaceae, observations on use for 

soap 234 

Pineapples at Manzanillo, note 214 

Piper palmeri, note on edibility of fruit 234 

observations on use for 

soap 234 

Piqueria trinervia Cav. ?, medicinal use 231 

Piperaceae, observations on use for soap. .. 234 

Pi taya, observations 220 

Pithecoctenium sp., medicinal use 231 

Pithecolobium dulce Benth., cultivation, 

fruitage, aud use 215 

ligusticifolium, note 217 

Plants, names of towns 257 

Plateado, specimens 230, 231, 241 

Plum, Mexican, observations 217 

Plums, descriptions of five forms 219 

Mexican, growing, marketing, and 

use 218 

suggestion of introduc- 
tion into UnitedStates. 210 

Polemoniaceae, medicinal use 230 

PolypoiKuinlanceolatuinli., cure of itch.... 228 
Potato, sweet. (See Sweet potato.) 

use as flavoring plant 227 

wild, note on collection of speci- 
mens 227 

Prochnyanthes viridescens "Wats., observa- 
tions 234 

Psidiumguava, description and use of fruit. 221 

note 221 

spp., observations 221 

Puebla,note on broom plant 252 

Pulque and mescal plants, proposed study. 210 

notes on production from maguey.. 223 

Pwro eedllia, note on use of wood 256 

Q- 

" Quahtlatlatzin, " note 257 

Queretaro, note on broom plant 252 

R. 

Kain coats, note on manufacture from palm 

leaves 240 

"Raiz," note on use 252 

Randiaap., note on use of wood 256 

Red peppers, Mexican, suggestion of intro- 
duction into United States. 210 



VI 



Page. 

Red peppers, nse •with clieese 226 

Kefugium Botaniouni, note 243 

Rhamnaceae, medicinal use 229 

notes on use for soap 235 

Rheumatism, Marrubium, or marrubio, for 

relief 230 

use of Covilloa, or goberna- 

dora 229 

Sidnus eomrmmis L., observations on use 

of oil for soap making 235 

Roofs, note on thatch 256 

Rosaceae, observations 216, 235 

Rosapara, note on superstition 258 

Rosario, notes 214,221,236 

Rutaceae, observations 217 

S. 

Sabal ap. nov., note on use in building 240 

"Sablier,"uote 257 

Saddle sweaters, manufacture 239 

Salix sp., note on use for shoe lasts 255 

Saltillo, market for agave for soap making. 233 

Salvia spp., observations 225 

San Luis Potosi, ixtle fiber 243 

'•Sand box tree," note 257 

Sangre grade, medicinal use 229 

note on use for hedge 253,254 

•'Santa Maria," identity with Tagetes or 

yerba nil 231 

Sapota elongata, note 2)5 

Sapotaceae, observations 222 

Savila, use as medicine 228 

Scorpion bite, Magnolia (corpus) for relief.. 228 

use of Tagetes or yerba nil... 231 

Seasoning and flavoring plants, discussion. 226 

Seeman, note on use of Oicscentia alata. . . . 259 

Semjlla de gicaura, note 213 

Sesame, use in making drink 220 

Sesamum indicum L. note 236 

notes on use for soap. 236 

Shoe lasts, note on wood 255 

pegs, note 250 

Sierra Madre Indians, characteristics 209 

notes 214,234,246,255 

specimens of wild potato 227 

Sinaloa, notes 246,247,257 

Sisal hemp, note on confusion of botanical 

names 239 

Sisymbrium caneseens Nutt., observations . 225 
Skin diseases and sores, use of Hieracium, 

or lechuguilla 231 

Skunk ipazote, use as a medicine 228 

Soap plants, discussion 231-237 

of Mexico.list 230 

use of Enterolobium (huinecastle) ... 228 
Soda water, kind, production from chila- 

cayote 223 

"Soft" drink, array an 225 

Solanaceae, medicinal use 230 

observations 227 

Solatium tuberosum, observations 227 

"Soliman,"note 257 

Sonoran Railroad, note 255 

Sonorita, use for women inchildbirth 280 



Sores and skin diseases, use of Hieracium, 

or lechuguilla 23, 

swellings, Mexican remedies.... 22'. 

Sotol, observations 22; 

Southwestern States, suggestions of new 

industries 209, 210 

Spinning, description of method with Mex- 
ican fiber 249^ 

methods in Mexico 249, 25i 

Specimens, list in addition to herbarium 

material 218 

Spondias spp. observations 217,218,219,22.' 

Stegnoepertna halimifoiia Benth., observa- 
tions on use for soap 234 

Stomach and cheat. Piper or hachogue for 

pains 234 

inflammation, Anoda, or altea, for 

relief 230 

pains, use of Turnera, or damiana, 

for relief 230 

Zinnia or yerba de torro for 

relief 231 

Sugar.cane, source of distilled drink aguard- 
iente 224 

Superstition regarding plants, notes 258 

Sweet potatoes, use and marketing 227 

Swellings and sores, Mexican remedies 229 

Swietenia humilis ( ?) Zucc, medicinal use. . 229 



Tabaco de macuchi, note on use 258 

Tabardillo, medicinal use 231 

Tagetes lucida Cav ., medicinal use 231 

notes on uses 256 

'.'Tallador," use wih ixtle fiber 248 

Tamarindus indica L., ob.servations 225, 257 

Tamaulipas, agaves 212 

Tampico hemp, imports 244 

industry, suggestion for 
development in South- 
west 210 

Ixtle fiber 243 

Tanning and dye plants, discussion 237 

Tanning, use of Enterolobium (huinecastle) . 228 

Tapemete, notes on fiber 246 

Tapesco, palm leaves for hat making 239 

Tarahumaris (Indians), notes on supersti- 
tions 258 

Tecomate, note on uses and appearance. . 258, 259 

"Tehuino," note 225 

Tejocote, observations • 216 

Tepahuaje, use for gums 229 

Tepic, notes 226,245,258 

Tequila, note on production from maguey. . 224 

Terminalia catappa, observations 221 

"Tetereta," note 257 

Texas, suggestion of introduction of Tam- 

pico-hemj) industry 210 

Thread, methods of making in Mexico 250 

Thorns, use as ornaments 257 

Tomales, use of pitahayas 221 

"Tomatoes,'' use 212 

" Tortillas," manner of making and eating. 210 

Towns, named from plants 257 



VII 



ila, ixtle fiber 243 

nas, Mexican, introduction into subarid 

parts of Southwest, proposed 209 

notes on kinds 220 

irnera humifusa (Presl) Endllch., medici- 
nal use 230 

Furneraceae, medicinal use 230 

Twine, methods of making in Mexico 249, 250 

r;'phoid fever, use of Piqueria or tabar- 

dillo 231 

U. 

ITmbelliferae, observations 226 

TJrbina, Dr. Manuel, note on paper on soap 

plants 236 

Uvalama, description ; fruit 223 

V. 

Vegetable butter or marrow, note 215 

tallow, note on making at Aca- 

pulco 235 

Vegetables and cereals, investigations 210-214 

Mexican, suggestion of introduc- 
tion and testing in United 

States 210 

Venereal diseases, Mexican remedies 228 

Verbeuaceae, medicinal use 230 

observations 223-226 

Yerbesina pinnatiflda Cav., note on use as 

fence plant : 255 

Vinegar, production from chUacayote 223 



Page. 

Yitellaria mammosa (L.) Radlk., note 222 

Vitex mollis H. B. £., observations 223 

W. 

Walama, description ; fruit 223 

Washington, D. C, proposed collection of 

agaves at Botanic Garden 210 

Water vessels, notes 259 

Watson, remark on Orescentia alata 259 

Wheat bread and cakes in Mexico, note 210 

Wood, plants, discussion 255 

Y. 

Verba de torro, medicinal use 231 

de coyote, de golondrina, del cancer, 

medicinr.1 use 229 

nU, medicinal use 231 

Yucca iaccata Torr., observations on use for 

soap 232 

fiUfera Chabaud, observations on fiber 241 

treculeana ( 1) Carr., notes on fiber 241 

Z. 

Zapote amarillo, observations . 216 

bianco, note 217 

chico, observations 222 

melon, note 214 

prieto, "zapote negro, ' ' observations . 223 

Zacatecas, notes 211,220,226,234 

Zinnea linearis, notes on uses 231, 256 

Zizyphus mexicana Rose, notes on use for 

soap 235 

Zygophyllaceae, medicinal use 229 





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